COAS relocates to Makurdi amid escalating violence in Benue

In a decisive move to address the escalating security crisis in Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the state capital, for an on-the-ground assessment of the worsening situation.

General Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other senior officials from the Army Headquarters. His visit follows a troubling surge in violent attacks on communities across the state, reportedly carried out by suspected herders and militia groups.

The wave of violence has claimed countless lives, injured scores of civilians, and displaced entire villages. Many homes have been reduced to ashes, forcing survivors into overcrowded makeshift camps with limited access to food, water, and medical care.

Sources say the Army Chief’s visit is focused on obtaining first-hand intelligence, engaging local commanders, and reviewing the military’s operational strategy to restore peace and security.

Sources further said the army chief has ordered the deployment of more troops to the state to give the militia and other armed groups terrorising the people of the state the battle of their lives.

In Benue State, the source said, the COAS will hold strategic meetings with all operational and unit commanders to brainstorm on the way forward as well as review the ongoing operations with a view to end the killings.

The COAS will also visit troops’ locations and operational bases in the state to interact with troops and boost their morale and fighting spirit.

The COAS is also expected to visit villages that have been attacked and reassure residents of their safety and the resolve of the Nigerian army to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

The COAS is said to be unhappy with reports of daily killings in Benue that have ravaged the state in the past few weeks and may order some strategic changes, including the redeployment of some commanders to head some of the operational units on ground.

General Oluyede, while in the state, will personally lead troops in the operation on the battlefront. He is expected to spend some days in the state before relocating back to Abuja.

Recall that the attacks in Benue have been described as ethnic cleansing by many, as gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have embarked on a killing spree, attacking villagers in their villages using sophisticated guns and machetes.

Last weekend gunmen killed 43 persons in renewed attacks carried out on several communities of Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.

The attacks occurred barely one week after herdsmen militia shot a priest, Rev. Fr Solomon Atongo, along the Makurdi-Naka road and attacked four communities in Gwer West LGA, including the village of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, killing 42 persons, including a mobile police officer.