In response to the escalating violence in Benue State, Lieutenant General Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has relocated to Makurdi, the state capital, amidst the incessant killings of innocent villagers by herders and militia groups.
The frequency of these attacks has caused significant casualties, injuries, and widespread destruction, displacing countless residents. Alarmed by the situation, General Oluyede left Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers and other senior military personnel, to assess the crisis directly.
To address the threat posed by armed groups, the COAS has ordered the reinforcement of troop deployments in the region. His visit will involve strategic discussions with operational commanders to strategise on ending the violence.
General Oluyede aims to visit operational bases and engage with troops to uplift their spirits while reassuring local communities of the Army’s dedication to their protection. Reports indicate he may implement strategic changes, potentially involving the redeployment of commanders to enhance operational effectiveness.
Having recently led efforts in Borno State against a resurgence of terrorist activities, General Oluyede is expected to personally oversee troop operations in Benue before returning to the capital.
The ongoing violence, characterised by many as ethnic cleansing, has raised significant concerns as herdsmen continue to attack vulnerable communities. Recently, at least 43 individuals were killed in renewed assaults on Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, following previous attacks that had already resulted in substantial loss of life.
