Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, has relocated to Makurdi, Benue State’s capital, to address the recent surge in violent attacks by herders and militia groups. These attacks have led to many deaths, injuries, and the destruction of homes, leaving numerous residents displaced. Oluyede left Abuja early Tuesday with his Principal Staff Officers and senior military officials to assess the situation firsthand.
The army chief has ordered the deployment of additional troops to confront the armed groups terrorizing the region. He plans to meet with operational commanders to review ongoing operations and develop new strategies to stop the violence. Oluyede will also visit military bases to encourage troops and strengthen their resolve. Additionally, he will tour affected villages to assure citizens of the military’s commitment to protect them.
Reports of daily killings in Benue have deeply concerned the army chief, who may make key changes in leadership among field commanders. Oluyede intends to personally lead troops in combat efforts during his stay, which could last several days before he returns to Abuja.
Some have described the recent attacks as ethnic cleansing. Gunmen, suspected to be herders, have targeted villages using firearms and machetes. Last weekend, 43 people were killed in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas. These incidents followed the shooting of a priest and attacks on multiple communities, which resulted in dozens of deaths, including a mobile police officer.
