By Victor Akaa.
The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) , Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his proactive initiative to quell the wave of violent attacks by suspected herdsmen and armed militia groups in the state.
The Governor gave the commendation on Tuesday 3rd June, 2025 when the COAS, alongside Principal Staff Officers and other top military brass were in the State to have on-the-spot assessment of the reported attacks by the armed herders and other militia groups against the locals in the State.
General Oluyede on Tuesday, relocated to Makurdi, the state capital, to personally oversee military operations aimed at restoring peace.
General Oluyede’s visit aims to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the deteriorating security situation, review ongoing operations, and chart a new course for restoring security.
The COAS, who ordered the deployment of additional troops to vulnerable communities, will meet with field commanders to discuss strategies and boost morale, and visit affected communities to reassure residents of the Army’s commitment to their safety.
Governor Alia while welcoming the COAS, assured him of the full government support in ending the senseless killings and restoring peace, stating, “Our people deserve protection, justice, and peace.”
The government urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to aid operations.
The attacks in Benue State have been described as ethnic cleansing, with gunmen suspected to be herdsmen initiating a violent campaign, targeting villagers in their homes with advanced firearms and machetes.
Enugu Reporters reports that with General Oluyede’s pragmatic tep, the Nigerian Army is expected to take a more aggressive and direct role in ending the cycle of violence that has plagued Benue State for years.
