Makurdi, Benue State – In a bold and decisive move, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, to confront the relentless wave of violence that has plagued the region. The decision comes in response to a series of brutal attacks by suspected herders and militia groups, which have left dozens of innocent villagers dead and communities in fear. The COAS’s presence in Makurdi signals a renewed commitment by the Nigerian Army to restore peace and security to a state long battered by communal clashes and armed violence.
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, as well as attacks by armed militia groups. The latest wave of violence has been particularly devastating. Over the weekend prior to June 3, 2025, at least 43 people were killed in coordinated attacks in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas. Among the victims were a Catholic priest and a mobile police officer, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence. These attacks followed another deadly incident earlier in the month that claimed 42 lives, bringing the death toll to a staggering number in a short span of time.
The killings have not only claimed lives but also shattered the livelihoods of countless families, with homes destroyed, farmlands abandoned, and communities living in constant fear. The situation has sparked outrage among residents and prompted calls for urgent action from both state and federal authorities. For many in Benue, the violence is a grim reminder of the longstanding tensions over land use, grazing rights, and ethnic differences, which have fueled a cycle of reprisal attacks and bloodshed.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, who assumed the role of COAS in late 2024, arrived in Makurdi on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, accompanied by a high-powered delegation of senior military officers. His decision to relocate to the state capital is seen as a strategic move to gain a firsthand understanding of the security challenges and to oversee operations directly. Sources indicate that the COAS is determined to bring the situation under control, with a focus on neutralizing the armed groups responsible for the attacks.
Upon his arrival, Oluyede wasted no time in taking action. He ordered the immediate deployment of additional troops to the most affected areas, including Gwer West and Apa, to bolster security and confront the perpetrators head-on. The COAS is also expected to hold critical meetings with operational commanders to review the current strategies and identify gaps in the military’s response. There are indications that he may reassign certain commanders to ensure that operations are led by officers capable of delivering results in this high-stakes environment.
Oluyede’s visit to Makurdi includes an on-site assessment of the security situation, a move that has been welcomed by local leaders and residents. By immersing himself in the region, the COAS aims to gather critical intelligence, evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing military operations, and engage with local stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to end the violence. His presence is also intended to boost the morale of troops on the ground, who have been stretched thin by the persistent attacks and the challenging terrain of Benue’s rural areas.
The COAS’s relocation to Makurdi is not merely symbolic; it reflects a shift toward a more proactive and hands-on approach to tackling insecurity. Unlike previous interventions that relied heavily on remote directives, Oluyede’s decision to base himself in the heart of the crisis zone demonstrates a commitment to leading from the front. This move has raised hopes among Benue residents that the military’s renewed focus will yield tangible results in curbing the violence.
The violence in Benue is part of a broader pattern of insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where conflicts between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers have escalated in recent years. These clashes are often rooted in competition over land and water resources, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and the proliferation of small arms. In Benue, the situation has been further complicated by the activities of armed militia groups, some of whom are believed to be exploiting the farmer-herder conflict to carry out criminal activities such as kidnapping, robbery, and extortion.
The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with many arguing that the response has been inadequate and reactive. Past efforts, including the deployment of military task forces and the introduction of anti-open grazing laws, have failed to stem the tide of violence. The relocation of the COAS to Makurdi is seen as a critical step toward addressing these shortcomings and restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
The news of Lieutenant General Oluyede’s relocation has sparked a mix of hope and cautious optimism among Benue residents. Community leaders have expressed support for the COAS’s decision, with many calling for sustained military presence and collaboration with local authorities to ensure lasting peace. “We are tired of burying our loved ones,” said a local farmer in Gwer West, who lost family members in a recent attack. “The Army Chief’s presence here gives us hope, but we want to see action, not just promises.”
Others, however, remain skeptical, pointing to the long history of failed interventions in the region. “We have seen soldiers come and go, but the killings continue,” said a community leader in Apa. “What we need is a strategy that addresses the root causes, not just chasing after the attackers.” These sentiments highlight the immense pressure on Oluyede to deliver results and restore trust in the military’s efforts.
For Lieutenant General Oluyede, the relocation to Makurdi represents a defining moment in his tenure as COAS. The crisis in Benue is not only a security challenge but also a test of his leadership and ability to coordinate complex military operations in a volatile environment. His decision to take a hands-on approach has been praised as a bold step, but the success of this strategy will depend on the military’s ability to adapt to the evolving tactics of the armed groups and to work effectively with other security agencies and local communities.
As the COAS settles into Makurdi, all eyes will be on the Nigerian Army’s next moves. The deployment of additional troops, the review of operational strategies, and the potential reassignment of commanders signal a comprehensive effort to turn the tide against the violence. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, from navigating the complex socio-political dynamics of the region to addressing the logistical difficulties of operating in rural areas.
While the military’s intervention is a critical step, analysts emphasize that lasting peace in Benue will require a multifaceted approach. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, such as land disputes and economic marginalization, will be essential to preventing future violence. Collaboration between the military, state government, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations will also be crucial in building trust and fostering reconciliation among communities.
For now, Lieutenant General Oluyede’s relocation to Makurdi has sent a powerful message: the Nigerian Army is committed to ending the bloodshed in Benue State. As the COAS leads this critical mission, the people of Benue and Nigerians across the country will be watching closely, hoping for a future where peace and security are no longer distant dreams but a lived reality.
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