Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In response to the escalating violence in Benue State, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has relocated to Makurdi, the state capital, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs).
This strategic move aims to address the persistent killings of innocent villagers by herders and militia groups.
Truth Live News gathered that the gruesome situation in Benue has reached a critical point, with numerous communities experiencing attacks that have led to significant loss of life and displacement. For instance, in late May 2025, over 40 individuals were killed in coordinated assaults across four communities in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) . Earlier in April, attacks in the Sankera axis, encompassing Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala LGAs, resulted in at least 72 deaths
The violence has not only led to loss of life but also massive displacement. According to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), over 50 communities across five LGAs have been sacked by armed herdsmen, forcing residents to flee their homes . This displacement has disrupted farming activities, threatening food security in a state known as Nigeria’s “Food Basket”
Between November 2024 and April 2025, Benue recorded at least 244 fatalities due to banditry and herdsmen attacks, the highest in Nigeria’s North Central region during that period . The persistent attacks have prompted calls from local leaders for urgent federal intervention to restore peace and security in the region.
The relocation of the Army Chief to Benue signifies a heightened military focus on addressing the security challenges in the state. It is hoped that this move will lead to more effective coordination of security operations and a reduction in the violence that has plagued the region.
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