Lieutenant General Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has relocated to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, due to the alarming rise in attacks on innocent villagers by herders and armed groups.
These violent incidents have become almost daily occurrences, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and the destruction of homes, leaving many residents displaced. Concerned about this grave situation, General Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by senior officers, to gain insights and assess the circumstances on the ground.
In a decisive move, the COAS has ordered the deployment of additional troops to confront the militia terrorising the state. While in Benue, he will convene strategic meetings with commanders to discuss operational strategies aimed at curtailing the violence.
The General also intends to visit troop locations and operational bases to boost morale and reassure local residents of the Army’s commitment to their safety. Reports suggest that he may implement significant changes, including the redeployment of commanders, to effectively tackle the ongoing crisis.
Having previously led operations in Borno State against resurgent terrorist threats, General Oluyede is set to lead troops in the field during his time in Benue before returning to Abuja.
The situation in Benue, seen by many as ethnic cleansing, continues to be a pressing concern as armed assailants, believed to be herdsmen, wreak havoc on local communities. This past Sunday, at least 43 people lost their lives in renewed assaults on Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, following earlier attacks that had already claimed many victims.
