Security

Army Chief Relocates to Benue Amid Escalating Violence

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 3, 2025

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Makurdi — In response to the persistent killings in Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the state capital, to oversee military operations aimed at curbing attacks on communities by armed herders and militia groups.

The violence, which has become a near-daily occurrence in recent weeks, has resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and the destruction of property across several local government areas. Many residents have been left homeless due to the burning of homes during the assaults.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede, who departed Abuja on Tuesday morning with a delegation of Principal Staff Officers and senior military personnel, is conducting an on-the-ground assessment of the situation. His visit includes high-level strategic meetings with operational commanders to evaluate current military deployments and explore measures to enhance security and end the violence.

As part of his mission, the COAS has ordered the reinforcement of troop presence in the state and is expected to visit forward operating bases to interact with personnel and boost morale. He will also tour affected communities to reassure residents of the army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Military sources suggest that the Army Chief may introduce changes in leadership by redeploying some commanders to strengthen the command structure and improve operational efficiency.

General Oluyede is reportedly dissatisfied with the continued loss of civilian lives and is set to lead some operations personally. He is expected to remain in the state for several days before returning to Abuja.

The latest intervention comes in the wake of intensified attacks that left at least 43 people dead last weekend in Gwer West and Apa LGAs. The previous week, a Catholic priest was shot and four communities were attacked, including the hometown of a serving bishop, with another 42 fatalities recorded.

The violence, widely described as ethnic cleansing, continues to raise concerns over security in Benue State, as gunmen suspected to be herders use automatic weapons and machetes to target rural communities.