Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has visited Benue State as part of a renewed effort to curb escalating violence and restore peace to communities affected by recent attacks.
Upon arrival, Lt. Gen. Oluyede held a private meeting with Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, where they discussed the security challenges facing the state.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Governor Alia said the visit came in response to “the incessant killings of our people by armed herders, militias, and other violent groups.”
“The COAS has come not only to assess the situation personally but to take decisive action. He has already ordered the deployment of additional troops and will be holding high-level strategy meetings with all field commanders,” Alia stated.
“He will also visit attacked communities, boost troop morale, and lead from the front lines. I commend the COAS and the Nigerian Army for this bold and proactive step. Our people deserve protection, justice, and peace,” the governor added.
Governor Alia reassured residents of the state government’s unwavering commitment to supporting all lawful and strategic measures to bring an end to the killings and foster long-term peace.
“I also appeal to our people to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and continue to provide credible information that can aid their operations. Together, we will overcome these challenges and usher in a new era of peace and security,” he said.
The COAS’ visit follows deadly attacks in the Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, where at least 33 people were feared killed by suspected armed herders.
In Gwer West, a community leader, Patrick Modoom, confirmed that 17 persons lost their lives during an attack on Tse-Antswam near Naka town, which occurred around 7 p.m. on Sunday. He said, “Seventeen corpses have so far been recovered at Tse-Antswam, a community by the LGEA primary school Naka, close to the Federal Government Dam project.”
Modoom further noted that many residents remain missing and that survivors have taken refuge at the local primary school, where police and local vigilantes are providing security.
In neighboring Apa LGA, lawmaker Abu Umoru confirmed that 16 individuals were killed in separate attacks on Edikwu and Ankpali communities. “Sixteen persons have been confirmed killed but many are still missing,” he said.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue search and rescue operations while stepping up efforts to prevent further violence.
