The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has officially relocated his base of operations to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, responding decisively to the escalating wave of violence that has left countless innocent villagers dead at the hands of armed herders and militia groups.
This strategic move, confirmed on June 4, 2025, underscores the army’s heightened commitment to restoring peace and security in one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions. Makurdi has become a focal point in the ongoing crisis where communities have faced relentless attacks, displacements, and destruction of property.
Lieutenant General Oluyede’s presence signals a hands-on leadership approach, coordinating intelligence, military patrols, and community engagement efforts directly from the epicenter of the unrest. Sources reveal that this relocation aims to expedite response times to attacks and strengthen collaboration with local authorities and security agencies.
Since early 2025, Benue State has witnessed a sharp increase in violent clashes, with herders and militia groups engaging in deadly confrontations that have severely impacted rural communities. The resulting humanitarian toll includes hundreds of casualties, destruction of farmlands, and mass displacement, intensifying fears of further escalation if unchecked.
Military officials disclosed that new task forces are being deployed, equipped with enhanced surveillance capabilities and rapid response teams to dismantle criminal networks fueling the violence. The COAS’s move also coincides with a broader federal effort to address the root causes of the herders-militia conflict, including land disputes and arms proliferation.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the army chief’s relocation, expressing hope that his leadership presence will bring much-needed stability and protection to vulnerable communities. Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State emphasized cooperation with federal security forces and vowed to support all measures aimed at ending the violence.
As the nation watches closely, Lieutenant General Oluyede’s actions in Makurdi mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and communal violence. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this bold intervention can halt the bloodshed and restore lasting peace to Benue State.
