The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has temporarily relocated to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, to personally oversee operations aimed at curbing the relentless wave of violence perpetrated by suspected herders and militia groups. The decision, announced on June 3, 2025, comes in response to a surge in deadly attacks that have left communities in Benue reeling, with over 300 lives lost in the past two months alone. This strategic relocation underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace in a region long plagued by insecurity and ethnic tensions.
A Region Under Siege
Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket” due to its rich agricultural output, has been a hotspot for violent clashes between farmers and herders for years. However, the recent escalation in attacks has raised alarm bells, with reports describing the situation as bordering on ethnic cleansing. Over the weekend, at least 43 people were killed in coordinated attacks across Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, leaving entire villages in mourning. Among the tragic incidents was the brutal shooting of Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, a Catholic priest, on May 24, 2025, along the Makurdi-Naka road. These attacks have displaced thousands, destroyed farmlands, and instilled fear in the hearts of Benue’s residents.
The violence, largely attributed to armed herders and militia groups, has exposed deep-seated issues of ethnic rivalry, land disputes, and resource competition. Local leaders and residents have repeatedly called for decisive action from the federal government, accusing security forces of failing to stem the tide of bloodshed. The scale of the crisis has prompted Lieutenant General Oluyede to take matters into his own hands, marking a significant shift in the military’s approach to the conflict.
A Hands-On Approach to Crisis Management
Lieutenant General Oluyede arrived in Makurdi on June 3, 2025, accompanied by a high-powered delegation of Principal Staff Officers and senior military personnel. His decision to relocate to the epicenter of the crisis reflects a rare and proactive stance by a top military official. Unlike previous interventions that relied on remote directives, Oluyede’s presence in Benue signals a commitment to leading from the front. Sources within the military indicate that the COAS plans to remain in the state for several days, during which he will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the security situation, hold strategic meetings with operational commanders, and review ongoing military efforts.
In a statement issued shortly after his arrival, Oluyede vowed to restore peace to Benue’s troubled communities. “The Nigerian Army will not rest until the perpetrators of these heinous acts are brought to justice and the people of Benue can live without fear,” he declared. To back his words with action, the COAS ordered the immediate deployment of additional troops and logistical resources to the state. This reinforcement is expected to bolster the capabilities of existing security forces, which have struggled to contain the well-armed militias operating in the region.
Strategic Shifts and Operational Reforms
The COAS is poised to implement significant changes to the military’s strategy in Benue. Among the measures under consideration is the redeployment of underperforming commanders to ensure that only the most effective officers lead operations on the ground. This move comes in response to criticisms that some military units have been slow to respond to distress calls from vulnerable communities, allowing attackers to strike with impunity.
Oluyede is also expected to personally lead operations on the battlefront, a rare move for a COAS that underscores the gravity of the situation. His hands-on approach is designed to boost troop morale, streamline command structures, and ensure rapid response to emerging threats. Additionally, the COAS plans to engage with local stakeholders, including community leaders and government officials, to gather intelligence and foster collaboration in the fight against insecurity.
A Ray of Hope for Benue
The COAS’s relocation has sparked cautious optimism among Benue’s residents, who have long felt neglected by the federal government. Governor Hyacinth Alia, who met with Oluyede in a closed-door session shortly after his arrival, described the move as a “game-changer” for the state. “The presence of the Chief of Army Staff in Makurdi brings hope to our people,” Alia said. “We are confident that his leadership will turn the tide against these criminal elements and restore peace to our communities.”
Local residents echoed the governor’s sentiments, with many expressing relief at the prospect of a more robust military presence. “For too long, we have lived in fear,” said Mary Iorver, a farmer from Gwer West. “The sight of the army chief here gives us hope that things might finally change.” However, some remain skeptical, pointing to the long history of unfulfilled promises and failed interventions in the region. “We need more than just visits,” said Joseph Anum, a community leader in Apa. “We need sustained action and accountability to end this nightmare.”
The Broader Context
Lieutenant General Oluyede’s relocation to Makurdi represents a critical test of the Nigerian Army’s ability to adapt and respond to evolving security threats. His leadership will be closely watched, not only by the people of Benue but also by a nation grappling with multiple security challenges, from banditry in the northwest to insurgency in the northeast.
Looking Ahead
As Lieutenant General Oluyede settles into his temporary base in Makurdi, the eyes of Benue and Nigeria are on him. His mission is clear: to neutralize the armed groups terrorizing the state, restore confidence in the military, and pave the way for lasting peace. Whether he can achieve these goals remains to be seen, but his decision to lead from the front has already sent a powerful message.
For now, the people of Benue wait with bated breath, hoping that the COAS’s presence will mark the beginning of the end of their long ordeal. As the Nigerian Army ramps up its operations, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this bold intervention can turn the tide against the violence that has shattered countless lives in the heart of Nigeria’s food basket.
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