COAS relocates to Makurdi amid ongoing killings in Benue State

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Oluyede, has moved his operational base to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, in response to the escalating violence and frequent attacks on innocent villagers by armed herders and militia groups.

The relentless assaults, now occurring almost daily, have resulted in numerous casualties, with many others injured, maimed, or displaced. Dozens of homes have also been set ablaze, leaving scores homeless and communities in distress.

Concerned by the deteriorating security situation, the army chief departed Abuja on Tuesday, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other senior officers from Army Headquarters. Their mission is to conduct a first-hand assessment of the crisis and to coordinate an effective military response.

In a decisive move, General Oluyede has ordered the deployment of additional troops to Benue State. This reinforcement aims to confront and neutralize the armed groups responsible for the killings and restore peace to the affected areas.

During his stay, the COAS will convene strategic meetings with operational and unit commanders to evaluate ongoing operations and formulate new approaches to halt the violence. He is also scheduled to visit military installations and frontline positions to motivate troops and ensure operational effectiveness.

As part of his visit, General Oluyede will tour affected communities to interact with residents and reassure them of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He is also expected to implement strategic command changes, including the possible redeployment of key officers, to strengthen the military’s position in the region.

Sources from Daily Sun report that the COAS is deeply troubled by the persistent violence in Benue State. The recent spate of attacks, which some have described as ethnic cleansing, has sparked national outrage. Armed attackers, believed to be herders, have used firearms and machetes to raid villages, killing and injuring dozens.

On Sunday alone, at least 43 people were reported killed in fresh attacks across communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas. This tragedy came just a week after another attack claimed 42 lives, including that of a Mobile Police Officer, and left a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, injured along the Makurdi-Naka Road.

This is not the first time the COAS has taken such a proactive step. Recently, General Oluyede relocated to Borno State in the wake of renewed terrorist attacks. His leadership on the ground in Borno significantly contributed to the decline in insurgent activities, as he personally led counter-insurgency operations in terrorist strongholds.

The Nigerian Army hopes that a similar strategy in Benue will yield positive results and bring an end to the bloodshed in the state. General Oluyede is expected to remain in Benue for several days before returning to Abuja.