Army Moves In |Oluyede Relocates to Benue Amid Herdsmen Attacks

In a decisive move to combat rising insecurity in Benue State, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has temporarily relocated to Makurdi along with his senior officers. The relocation follows a wave of deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen that have left dozens dead and thousands displaced.

General Oluyede’s presence in the state is aimed at strengthening on-ground military operations. He is expected to hold strategic meetings with field commanders, assess troop deployments, and visit communities affected by the violence to assure residents of the Army’s commitment to restoring peace and order.

In response to the recent surge in killings—particularly in Gwer West and Apa local government areas, where at least 20 lives were lost—additional troops have been deployed to intensify operations against the attackers.

The ongoing conflict, driven largely by land and resource disputes between farmers and herders, has led to the displacement of over 50 communities across five LGAs. Local reports suggest the casualty figures may be even higher than officially recorded.

General Oluyede’s relocation is seen as a strong signal of the Army’s resolve to quell the violence and restore stability in one of Nigeria’s most affected regions. His direct oversight is expected to improve coordination, boost troop morale, and fast-track the return of peace to Benue.