In response to the incessant attacks on the people of Benue State by armed Fulani herdsmen, resulting in the loss of millions of lives and property worth billions of naira, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and other senior army officers have relocated to Benue State.
The COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and others arrived in the state on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The frequent killings, which have become almost a daily occurrence, have left many dead, several others injured and maimed, and numerous houses burnt, leaving many homeless.
According to reports, Lt. Gen. Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other top officers at the Army Headquarters, to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation on the ground.
Our investigation reveals that Lt. Gen. Oluyede has directed the deployment of more troops to the state to tackle the militia and other armed groups terrorizing the people. During his stay in the state, the Army Chief will hold strategic meetings with operational and unit commanders to discuss the way forward and review ongoing operations with the aim of ending the killings.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede will also visit troops’ locations and operational bases in the state to interact with troops and boost their morale and fighting spirit. Additionally, he is expected to visit villages that have been attacked and reassure residents of their safety and the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
Sources indicate that Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed dismay at the daily killings in the state, which have ravaged the Food Basket of the Nation in recent weeks, and may order strategic changes, including the redeployment of some commanders. General Oluyede will personally lead troops in the operation on the battlefront and is expected to spend several days in the state before returning to Abuja.
It is worth noting that the attacks in Benue State, particularly in Kwande, Gwer West, Otukpo, Ado, Apa, Gwer, Makurdi, Buruku, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Agatu Local Government Areas, have been described as ethnic cleansing by many.
The gunmen, suspected to be armed herdsmen, have embarked on a killing spree, attacking villagers with sophisticated guns and machetes. This menace has lingered for far too long, and it is expected that this new development will bring much-needed respite to the affected communities in Benue State.
