Benue Crisis Deepens: Army Chief Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede Relocates to Makurdi to Confront Ongoing Killings

 

In a decisive response to the alarming surge of violence in Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the state capital, to take direct control of military efforts aimed at curbing the escalating attacks on rural communities. This strategic move underscores the gravity of the security situation in the state, where suspected herders and armed militia groups have been wreaking havoc in recent weeks.

Why Lt. Gen. Oluyede Moved to Makurdi

The relocation of Nigeria’s top army officer to Benue comes on the heels of intensified attacks, which have left dozens of villagers dead, hundreds displaced, and entire communities in ruins. According to military sources, General Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers and other senior army personnel, for an on-the-ground assessment of the deteriorating security landscape in the state.

The COAS’s visit is being widely interpreted as a clear message from the Nigerian Army that the safety and security of Benue citizens is a top national priority.

“General Oluyede is deeply disturbed by the reports of mass killings,” a military source told Vanguard. “He wants to see things for himself and ensure that all necessary actions are taken immediately.”

Escalating Violence: A Humanitarian and Security Crisis

The state of Benue, known as Nigeria's “Food Basket”, has become one of the epicenters of violent conflict between farming communities and suspected herdsmen militias. The violence, often described as ethnically motivated, has intensified in recent months, with daily reports of killings, property destruction, and mass displacements.

In the most recent wave of attacks, no fewer than 43 people were brutally killed in coordinated strikes on communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas. The gunmen, believed to be part of an organized militia, carried out their deadly operations without mercy, leaving behind trails of blood, burned homes, and devastated families.

“It was a massacre,” said one community leader in Gwer West. “These people are not just killing randomly — they are wiping out entire families.”

The attacks are believed to be part of a larger campaign of ethnic cleansing, according to local and international observers. A tragic example occurred just last week when Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, a Catholic priest, was ambushed and shot by suspected herdsmen along the Makurdi-Naka road. The same militia group also attacked four villages in Gwer West, including the ancestral home of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe. That series of attacks alone claimed 42 lives, among them a mobile police officer who was trying to protect civilians.

Army Response: Reinforcements and Strategy Shift

In reaction to the escalating crisis, General Oluyede has ordered the immediate deployment of additional troops to Benue State. These reinforcements are expected to provide critical support to existing military units on the ground, who have been stretched thin by the scope and frequency of the attacks.

“The army chief has ordered the deployment of additional troops to Benue to confront the armed groups responsible for the killings,” a source confirmed. “He is expected to hold strategic meetings with operational and unit commanders to review ongoing military operations and devise new strategies to contain the violence.”

This strategic shift in military posture is being welcomed by residents and political leaders alike, who have long complained about government inaction and poor security presence in rural areas. General Oluyede’s presence is also intended to boost troop morale and coordinate a stronger, more effective military response.

Rebuilding Trust: Army Chief to Visit Affected Communities

In addition to military operations, Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s visit to Benue is aimed at rebuilding the shattered trust between affected communities and the security forces. The COAS is scheduled to visit several of the attacked communities, assess the damage firsthand, and speak directly with victims and survivors.

“He wants to reassure residents of their safety and reaffirm the army’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens,” another senior officer noted.

The army chief will also visit troop locations, interact with personnel, and personally lead operations in the field, a bold move designed to show solidarity with both the soldiers and the civilians suffering on the frontlines of this humanitarian crisis.

Possible Command Changes on the Horizon

Sources close to military leadership suggest that General Oluyede may initiate significant changes in the command structure in Benue and possibly in other conflict-prone regions. This could include the redeployment of some field commanders whose performances have come under scrutiny amid the worsening violence.

“He may initiate key changes in the command structure, including the redeployment of some commanders to reinforce operational effectiveness,” a military insider told Vanguard.

Such adjustments are seen as part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the army’s counter-insurgency efforts in the Middle Belt, where multiple armed groups — including herdsmen militias, criminal gangs, and political thugs — operate with relative impunity.

Political and Community Reaction

The relocation of Nigeria’s Army Chief to Benue has drawn mixed reactions from political figures and civil society groups. While many have lauded the move as a long-overdue step in the right direction, others have expressed concern that it may be too little, too late.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has been vocal in demanding a stronger federal response to the crisis. He previously appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security in Benue and neighboring states affected by the same pattern of violence.

“The people of Benue have suffered too much. We are tired of burying our loved ones every week,” a community elder in Apa LGA told NaijaRush. “This should not be happening in a country like Nigeria.”

Conclusion: Can General Oluyede Restore Peace to Benue?

As Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede settles into Makurdi, the question on everyone’s lips is whether his presence and leadership can turn the tide against the ongoing carnage. His proactive decision to lead from the front is commendable and may indeed mark a turning point in Nigeria’s battle against rural insecurity and ethnic violence.

However, the road ahead is far from easy. The attackers remain well-armed, mobile, and deeply entrenched in remote forested areas. It will take a combination of strategic intelligence, local collaboration, and military precision to root them out.

One thing is clear: the people of Benue are desperate for peace, and they are watching closely to see whether this latest intervention will bring an end to years of bloodshed.

For now, General Oluyede is expected to remain in Benue for several days before returning to Abuja. Nigerians everywhere will be hoping his efforts bring tangible and lasting results.