The Army Chief Steps In: General Olufemi Oluyede Reacts to Benue Killings
Army Chief, Oluyede Moves to Markudi in Response to Persistent Attacks in Benue
Taking a decisive action in the face of escalating violence in Benue State, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has taken matters into his own hands.
Recent days have seen a chilling increase in the number of innocent lives lost due to clashes between herders and militia groups, and the COAS is ready to put a stop to it.
On Tuesday, General Oluyede left his post in Abuja, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officer (PSO) and other senior officers, for Makurdi, Benue State's capital, to assess the situation on the ground firsthand.
His mission is clear: to confront the militia and other armed groups causing chaos in the region and reinforce troops already deployed. The COAS aims to restore safety and security to the embattled population.
Upon arrival, the COAS plans to conduct meetings with operational and unit commanders to discuss crucial future actions, review ongoing security measures, and strategize for an effective response to the killings.
He will also visit troops and operational bases statewide, boosting morale and inspiring his forces with a renewed sense of purpose.
In addition to boosting troop presence, General Oluyede wants to reassure the worried residents of Benue State that their safety is paramount and that the Nigerian army stands with them in their struggle against violence.
The COAS has made it clear that he is far from satisfied with the continued bloodshed in Benue State and may implement strategic changes, such as reassigning certain commanders to better address the region's unique challenges.
During his stay, General Oluyede intends to lead troops at the battlefront personally, aiming to bring a ruthless edge to the operation and send a strong message to the aggressors.
While in Benue, the COAS is expected to remain for several days before returning to Abuja.
Sadly, much of the conflict in Benue is seen as ethnic cleansing, with gunmen waging a violent campaign against villagers in their homes using advanced weaponry and machetes.
Last weekend, these militias claimed the lives of 43 individuals in attacks across various communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State [4].
These attacks followed an earlier incident where herdsmen shot Reverend Fr Solomon Atongo along the Makurdi-Naka road and assaulted several communities in Gwer West LGA, leaving 42 dead, including a mobile police officer [4].
Sources:
- Vanguard News
- NewsDiary Nigeria
- The Cable
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- General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is trying to put an end to the escalating violence in Benue State, where herders and militia groups have been clashing, causing a significant loss of innocent lives.
- Following the increase in violence, the COAS, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officer (PSO) and other senior officers, left Abuja for Makurdi, Benue State's capital, to assess the situation on the ground and strategize for an effective response.
- Upon arrival, the COAS plans to conduct meetings with operational and unit commanders to review ongoing security measures and discuss future actions, with the aim of restoring safety and security to the embattled region.
- General Oluyede also intends to visit troops and operational bases statewide, boosting morale and reinforcing his forces' determination to end the violence.
- In addition to boosting troop presence, the COAS aims to reassure residents that their safety is a top priority and that the Nigerian army stands with them in their struggle against violence.
- Sources suggest that the COAS may implement strategic changes, such as reassigning certain commanders, to better address the region's unique challenges, as he is far from satisfied with the continued bloodshed in Benue State.
