FOLLOWING the recent deadly attacks on Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, has moved to the state in a strategic push to curb the escalating violence.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the COAS is accompanied by Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other senior army officials for an on-the-ground security assessment.
Oluyede is said to have ordered additional deployment of troops and logistics to the state, to pursue and dismantle criminal groups operating in the region.
His visit comes amid mounting concern over incessant killings of villagers and widespread displacement caused by suspected herders and armed militia groups.
According to Daily Trust, at least 270 people have been killed in the state in the last two months.
The COAS is expected to hold an on-the-ground assessment of the security situation and direct engagement with commanders overseeing ongoing operations in the state.
“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 lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
“General Oluyede, while in the state, will personally lead troops in the operation at the battlefront,” NAN quoted a source to have said.
The ICIR reports that the latest development followed the recent attacks on several communities in two LGAs in the state.
According to a report by Channels Television, the latest attacks occurred around 7 pm on Sunday, June 1, when gunmen stormed communities in Tse-Antswam of Gwer West LGA and Edikwu-Ankpali, Apa LGA, killing at least 33 people.
In Tse-Antswam, a community leader, Patrick Modoom, confirmed that 17 corpses had been recovered as of Monday morning, while many others remain missing.
He noted that the attack took place near a military checkpoint, but residents received no response from security forces during the raid.
The situation is similarly grim in Edikwu and Ankpali communities of Apa LGA, where 16 more fatalities were confirmed by Abu Umoru, a member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Apa Constituency.
The attacks have triggered fresh displacements, with families now sheltering in primary schools and makeshift camps under local vigilante protection, according to the report.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M