Lieutenant General Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has moved to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, in response to the ongoing violence perpetrated by herders and militia groups against innocent villagers.
These relentless attacks have resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries, and significant destruction, leaving many residents homeless. Concerned about the escalating crisis, General Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers and senior officers, to assess the situation firsthand.
To counter the militia threatening the local population, the COAS has ordered the deployment of additional troops to the region. During his visit, he will hold strategic meetings with operational commanders to discuss future actions and evaluate current operations aimed at ending the violence.
General Oluyede plans to visit troops at their bases to uplift their morale and will also reassure affected villagers of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens. Reports indicate that he may implement strategic changes, including the redeployment of commanders, to effectively address the crisis.
Having recently overseen operations in Borno State against a resurgence of terrorist attacks, General Oluyede is expected to lead troops in the field during his stay in Benue before returning to Abuja.
The violence in Benue, described by many as ethnic cleansing, has raised alarm as gunmen, believed to be herdsmen, continue to assault communities. Just last Sunday, at least 43 individuals were killed in renewed attacks across Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, following earlier assaults that had already claimed numerous lives.