In response to the escalating violence and loss of innocent lives in Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the state capital, to personally oversee military operations aimed at ending the bloodshed.
The move comes amid almost daily killings of villagers by suspected herders and militia groups, with dozens dead, many injured, and several communities displaced and destroyed in recent weeks.
According to Reports, General Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and senior officials from Army Headquarters, to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the crisis.
Military sources revealed that the COAS has ordered the deployment of additional troops to the state, promising to give the armed groups “the battle of their lives.”
While in Benue, the army chief is expected to:
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Hold strategic meetings with operational and unit commanders to review ongoing operations and map out new strategies.
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Visit frontline troops and military bases to assess their needs and boost morale.
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Tour affected communities and reassure residents of the military's commitment to protect lives and restore peace.
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Possibly announce strategic changes, including the redeployment of commanders for greater operational effectiveness.
Sources within the army say the COAS is deeply disturbed by the spate of attacks, which have been described by many observers as ethnic cleansing.
Just last weekend, 43 people were killed in coordinated assaults across Gwer West and Apa LGAs, less than a week after a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Solomon Atongo, was shot by gunmen along the Makurdi-Naka road. Four villages in Gwer West LGA, including that of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, were also attacked, leaving 42 people dead, among them a mobile police officer.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede is expected to personally lead operations on the frontlines during his stay, which may last several days, before returning to Abuja.
This decisive step signals a firm resolve by the Nigerian Army to confront and end the terror ravaging Benue communities and restore public confidence in national security efforts.
