Amid rising violence in Benue State, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oloyede has relocated to the region to personally lead efforts in restoring peace and military coordination.
The move follows the killing of 33 residents, prompting high-level meetings with Governor Alia and security chiefs, as displaced communities hope for urgent relief and long-awaited stability.
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In response to the escalating wave of violent attacks in Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oloyede, has temporarily relocated to the state in a bid to coordinate military operations and restore peace in the troubled region. This bold move comes in the wake of persistent killings and rising tension, particularly in Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas.
Lt. Gen. Oloyede arrived at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi at approximately 1:35 p.m. on Tuesday and proceeded directly into a high-level closed-door meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, concluded around 2:45 p.m. However, the Army Chief did not grant any press briefings or meet with the state’s traditional rulers or security heads during his visit.
Although the Chief of Army Staff refrained from speaking publicly, Governor Alia later briefed members of the Benue Traditional Council and the State Security Council on the substance of the visit. According to the governor, General Oloyede came bearing a message of reassurance and solidarity from the Federal Government, emphasizing that urgent steps are being taken to contain the violence and bring relief to affected communities.
“The Chief of Army Staff came to deliver a message of hope to our people,” Governor Alia stated. “He has assured us that the Federal Government is not turning a blind eye to our suffering. The recent killings will not go unaddressed.”
Governor Alia further revealed that the Army Chief expressed heartfelt condolences over the latest spate of violence, in which 33 people have been confirmed dead across Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas. The governor decried the continuous and unprovoked attacks carried out by suspected armed herdsmen, which have plunged several rural communities into mourning.
“These senseless killings must stop,” Alia declared. “We are working with the military and other security agencies to restore peace and ensure that our people can sleep with both eyes closed.”
The governor’s meeting also extended to the traditional leadership of the state, including a closed-door session with the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, Dr. John Eliagwu, who was represented by Chief George Edeh, the Ad’Enone. The presence of these respected monarchs was aimed at fostering community cooperation in security initiatives and ensuring that traditional institutions play a supportive role in peace-building efforts.
Also present at the strategic meetings were top security officials in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). The gathering served as a platform to realign inter-agency collaboration and enhance intelligence-sharing for improved security coverage.
The decision of the Chief of Army Staff to relocate to Benue underscores the gravity of the crisis and the urgency required to combat the mounting insecurity. Residents have expressed cautious optimism that the Army Chief’s presence in the state will signal a turning point in the relentless attacks.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns are growing as thousands have been displaced from their homes. Many are currently taking shelter in makeshift camps, with limited access to food, medical care, and clean water.
As security operations intensify, the people of Benue wait anxiously, hoping that this renewed military focus will finally bring the peace and stability they desperately crave.
