Insecurity: Army chief Oluyede relocates to Benue with PSOs
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has relocated to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, to address the ongoing violence against villagers by herders and militia groups that has sparked widespread concern.
The relentless killings have reportedly become a daily occurrence, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, property destruction, and a growing number of homeless individuals. In response to the crisis, General Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning with his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other senior officers from the Army Headquarters to conduct a firsthand assessment of the situation.
“To ensure the safety of our citizens, I have ordered the deployment of additional troops to this region,” General Oluyede announced. He emphasized that the military would confront the armed groups terrorizing the communities and work towards restoring peace.
During his visit, the COAS plans to hold strategic meetings with operational and unit commanders to develop actionable strategies aimed at ending the violence plaguing the state. He will also visit various troop locations to interact with soldiers, aiming to boost their morale and fighting spirit.
General Oluyede expressed deep concern over the frequency of attacks in Benue, stating, “We must act decisively to protect our people.” He is expected to reassure affected residents of the army’s commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and restoring security.
In light of the recent violence, which has been labeled by some as ethnic cleansing, the COAS is reportedly considering strategic changes within the military to enhance operational effectiveness. He will personally lead troops in the ongoing operations on the ground and is expected to remain in the state for several days before returning to Abuja.
Recent attacks have resulted in tragic loss of life, including a weekend assault that left 43 individuals dead across multiple communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, following previous assaults that claimed the lives of 42, including a priest.
Source: Vanguard newspaper
