The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has arrived in Benue State to address the escalating security situation following a series of deadly attacks in the region.

Upon his arrival, Lieutenant General Oluyede held a closed-door meeting with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Tuesday to discuss strategic measures to curb the violence that has plagued several communities in the state.

Strategic Military Response

Governor Alia, who disclosed details of the meeting via his X handle, revealed that the COAS has ordered the immediate deployment of additional troops to the affected areas. The military chief is also scheduled to conduct high-level strategy meetings with field commanders operating in the region.

"The COAS has come not only to assess the situation personally but to take decisive action," Governor Alia stated. "He has already ordered the deployment of additional troops and will be holding high-level strategy meetings with all field commanders."

As part of his operational assessment, Lieutenant General Oluyede plans to visit communities that have suffered attacks, boost troop morale, and personally oversee frontline operations.

Addressing Root Causes

The visit comes amid growing concerns over incessant killings of Benue residents by armed herders, militias, and other violent groups that have destabilized the state in recent months.

Governor Alia commended the COAS and the Nigerian Army for what he described as a "bold and proactive step" toward restoring peace in the troubled state.

"Our people deserve protection, justice, and peace," the governor emphasized, while assuring residents that the state government remains fully committed to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at ending the violence.

Call for Community Cooperation

The governor also appealed to Benue residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid their operations.

"Together, we will overcome these challenges and usher in a new era of peace and security," Alia added, expressing optimism about the collaborative efforts between the state government and security forces.

The heightened military presence in Benue comes at a critical time when the state has witnessed repeated attacks that have displaced numerous communities and threatened the agricultural productivity of the region often referred to as Nigeria's food basket.