Politics

Benue Lawmakers Storm Army HQ, Demand Action Against Herdsmen

By Obi Chiamaka

Senator Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader, led a delegation to meet with Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The delegation, which included Rt. Hon. David Ogewu, representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, and Hon. Joseph Oche, Founder of G12 Foundation, sought urgent military intervention to address the escalating insecurity in Benue State.

Growing Concerns Over Persistent Attacks

The lawmakers expressed particular concern about the Benue South Senatorial District, where herdsmen attacks and killings have become increasingly frequent and devastating. During the meeting, the delegation formally requested the deployment of additional troops to vulnerable communities and the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in one of the high-risk areas within the senatorial district.

Senator Moro and his team also used the opportunity to appreciate the COAS for his efforts and concern regarding the security challenges facing Benue State.

Army Chief's Response

In his response, Lieutenant General Oluyede thanked the delegation for their visit, describing it as a morale boost that would strengthen the Army's resolve to bring lasting peace to the region.

The COAS assured the lawmakers that their requests would receive due consideration, though he acknowledged the current operational limitations faced by the military.

This high-level engagement comes amid increasing security concerns in Benue State, where communities have suffered repeated attacks allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen, resulting in loss of lives and displacement of residents.

The situation in Benue has remained a significant security challenge, with local communities calling for more decisive action from security agencies to protect vulnerable populations in the state.

Stay connected with BenriNews for updates on this developing story.