Benue Killings: Army Chief Deploys More Troops, Logistics
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Tuesday, moved to Benue in a strategic move to address the incessant killing of innocent villagers by suspected herders and militia groups in the state.
A source at the Army Headquarters told the NAN in Abuja that the COAS was concerned about the killings of innocent citizens and the displacement of families from their homes in the state.
Oluyede, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other top officers at the Army Headquarters, is moving to the state for assessment of the security situation.
The source disclosed that the COAS had also ordered more deployment of troops and logistics to the state to hunt down the armed groups terrorising the people of Benue.
“While in Benue State, the COAS is expected to hold strategic meetings with all operational and unit commanders to brainstorm on the way forward as well as review the ongoing operations to end the massacre.
“He is also expected to visit troops’ locations and operational bases in the state to interact with troops and boost their morale and fighting spirit.
“The COAS is also expected to visit villages that have been attacked and reassure residents of their safety and the resolve of the Nigerian army to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
“General Oluyede, while in the state, will personally lead troops in the operation on the battlefront,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there have been increased cases of killings in Benue by suspected herdsmen, which has become a source of concern to many.
Some of the recent cases in the state include the attack on Rev. Fr Solomon Atongo on May 24 while on his way from Makurdi to Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-East Local Government Area.
The attackers left him for dead, but he survived.
On May 29, the Agan Community in Makurdi was attacked in broad daylight, resulting in multiple fatalities.
On Sunday, June 1, Naka, the Gwer West Local Government headquarters, and the Edikwu-Ankpali community in the Apa Local Area were attacked, resulting in several fatalities.
Also reported was the attack on other communities, including Tse-Antswam in Naka town by suspected herdsmen, which left 17 people dead and many others missing or displaced.
Similarly, Edikwu and Ankpali communities in Apa Local Government Area were attacked, resulting in 16 confirmed deaths and many others missing.
The visit of the COAS to the state and the rejigging of operations are expected to lead to the restoration of normalcy to troubled areas in the state.
Benue Killings: Army Chief Deploys More Troops, Logistics is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
