- deploys more troops, logistics, others to end massacre
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief Of Army Staff(COAS), Lieutenant General Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, over the incessant killings of innocent villagers by herders and militia group.
The killing which is becoming almost a daily occurrence has left many dead, several others injured, maimed, several houses burnt leaving many homeless.
The army Chief who is worried by the endless killings Daily Sun, gathered left Abuja, Tuesday morning accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers(PSOs), and other top officers at the Army Headquarters to the state to have a first hand information and assessment on the situation on ground.
This is just as the COAS, has ordered the deployment of more troops to the state to give the militia and other armed group terrorizing the people of the state the battle of their lives.
While in Benue State, the COAS, is expected to hold strategic meetings with all operational and unit commanders to brainstorm on the way forward as well as review the ongoing operations with a view to end the massacre.
Oluyede, is also expected to visit troops locations and operational bases in the state to interact with troops and boost their morale and fighting spirit. 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.
Daily Sun, gathered that the COAS, who is not happy with the killings in Benue, which is becoming almost a daily occurrence that have ravaged the state in the past few weeks, may have concluded plans to make some strategic changes which may involve redeployment of new commanders to head some of the operations there.
The changes which will take place any moment from now according to Daily Sun findings, is expected to end the massacre in the next few days.
General Oluyede, while in the state will personably lead troops in the operation in the battle front. He is expected to spend some days in the state before relocating back to Abuja.
The COAS, had relocated to Borno State few weeks back following the resurgence of terrorists attacks on troops locations and villages that have hitherto been liberated from terrorists.
His relocation to Borno State where he personally led troops in the counter insurgency fight to some strongholds of the terrorists has drastically reduced the attacks as troops have continued to carry out clearance operations and engaging the terrorists head on.
The attack on Benue which many have described as ethnic cleansing has become a thing of concern to many as gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have embarked on attack on villages in the state killing several persons and injured others using guns and machetes.
Only on Sunday, gun men killed no fewer than 43 persons in renewed attacks carried out on several communities of Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
The attacks occurred barely one week after herdsmen militia shot a priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo along Makurdi-Naka road and attacked four communities in Gwer West LGA, including the village of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, killing 42 persons including a Mobile Police Officer.
