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Tag: Benue

  • Benue attackers not Nigerians, we ‘ll go after them – COAS

    Benue attackers not Nigerians, we ‘ll go after them – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has attributed the wave of violent killings in Benue to ‘foreign mercenaries’, suggesting the attackers are not Nigerians. 

    Oluyede stated this on Saturday while declaring open the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation quarterly media chat, holding in Akure, the Ondo State capital. 

    The theme of the ongoing event is: Military- media collaboration: Panacea for enhanced national security and development.

    Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Obinna Onubogu, Oluyede said the attackers differ significantly in a behaviour that is ‘utterly despicable.’

    He emphasised that the activities of the armed groups, who have carried out bloodletting and rendered several families homeless, do not reflect the country’s national identity and value system. 

    “We are mindful that some of these people may be foreign elements. The behaviour we are seeing is utterly despicable, the way they go about their work. It does not reflect any kind of national identity or value system,” the Chief of Army Staff said. 

    While condemning the attack, Oluyede said that the military was committed to ending the spate of violence in the nation’s territorial integrity from both external and internal aggressors. 

    According to him, the military was already strategising with the move to smoke out the attackers from their hidden places and make them face the consequences of their actions.

    “The Nigerian Army has remained engaged in Plateau, in Benue, in Kwara — in quite a number of states that are experiencing insecurity.

    “In Benue particularly, you will see, in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops. We shall go after them, and by God’s grace, we will get them.”

    The Chief of Army Staff noted that the military has received clear directives from President Bola Tinubu to act decisively on the marauders, stressing that personnel are now on the ground to address the escalating security crisis. 

    “The President has given very clear orders for us to go out there. And so we are out — fully deployed — and tackling the menace head-on,” he said 

    He appealed to communities and local stakeholders to support military operations by sharing timely intelligence:

    “The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country, and we are not as large in number as many people believe. We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.”

    “In some cases, unfortunately, the people are not very helpful in terms of the information they give out, which delays our reaction time. That must change if we are to win this fight together.”

    At least 200 people, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and security personnel were killed in a fresh coordinated attack by suspected armed groups in Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma LGA in Benue last week. 

  • We’ll go after Benue killers – COAS reassures 

    We’ll go after Benue killers – COAS reassures 

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says the Nigerian Army will  bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent killings in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country.

    Oluyede made this known on Saturday in Akure during a second quarter 2025 media chat organised by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters.

    The media chat was themed “Military – Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development”.

    The COAS, represented by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Div., Nigerian Army, Ibadan, said the military was fully committed to ending the spate of violence, particularly in North-Central Nigeria.

    Oluyede, who said that the president had given very clear orders, explained that they would remain engaged in Plateau, Benue, Kwara and quite a number of states that were experiencing insecurity.

    “We are out, fully deployed and tackling the menace head-on

    “In Benue particularly, you will see in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops.

    “Communities and local stakeholders should support military operations by sharing timely intelligence:

    “The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country but we are not as large in number as many people believe.

    “We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.

    “In some cases, unfortunately, the people are not very helpful in terms of the information they give out, which delays our reaction time. That must change if we are to win this fight together,” he said.

    The COAS called on media personnel to verify facts before publication, and help in building national security and development to combat misinformation and sensational reporting,

    According to him, the social media space, especially, is flooded with misinformation, disinformation and outright lies.

    “So, we are appealing to the media practitioners to reach out to us before putting out unverified stories.

    “We are satisfied with the support we’ve received from the media so far and we hope to deepen that synergy to ensure national security is not undermined by sensational reporting,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Benue killings: NSCDC boss calls for upscaling of intelligence gathering

    Benue killings: NSCDC boss calls for upscaling of intelligence gathering

    The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi, has called for the upscaling of intelligence gathering and sharing among security agencies and operatives.

    The NSCDC boss condemned the gruesome murder of unarmed civilians during the attack in Yelwata village in Guma local government area of Benue state and urged security operatives to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    Dr Audi made remarks during a scheduled visit to the state for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation alongside other security chiefs.

    He commiserated with the Governor and people of Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area who lost their loved ones in the attack and assured that the Corps is working closely with other security agencies to put a stop to the killings.

    According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, the CG decried the mindless killing of unarmed women and children in the unfortunate incident.

    Dr Audi said there was no justification whatsoever for the gruesome murder of innocent citizens.

    The NSCDC boss, therefore, ordered the Zonal Commander and the State Commandant to effectively deploy covert operatives, Special Forces and all tactical units to every nook and cranny of the state while at the same time collaborating with other stakeholders to enhance well-coordinated operations for a renewed onslaught against the perpetrators.

    Read Also: Synergy is our strength, says NSCDC mining commander after silent heroes award recognition

    “These killings must stop, and we must be very strategic, decisive, and resilient in our approach to the restoration of peace and order in the State.

    “All hands must be on deck. There must be maximum deployment of all Special Forces, counter terrorism units, and intelligence operatives for both covert and overt operations.

    “Just as Mr. President has directed, the perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to book, and we need to be on top of our game to make this happen,” the CG asserted.

    Dr Audi further assured that the High Command of the NSCDC would deploy more tactical operatives and logistics to support the Benue Command in boosting their operation for a more effective security coverage.

    He promised to work closely with the Military, DSS, the Nigerian Police, the Indigenous Security apparatus and other critical stakeholders within the Communities to gather credible information that would lead to the arrests of those who carried out the acts of criminality.

    The NSCDC boss thanked the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Lornem Alia for the support to the State Command and reaffirmed his commitment to the restoration of peace, order and the safeguarding of all Critical National Assets and Infrastructures in the state.

  • Akume salutes Tinubu, vows to lead peace-building efforts in Benue

    Akume salutes Tinubu, vows to lead peace-building efforts in Benue

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt and compassionate visit to Benue State in the wake of renewed violence, pledging to rally all critical stakeholders in a concerted effort to restore lasting peace in the state.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, Akume hailed the President’s decision to personally visit Benue, despite a demanding schedule, as “a courageous and commendable gesture,” demonstrating a clear commitment to ending the cycles of violence plaguing parts of the North Central state.

    “The President’s visit was not just symbolic. It was a powerful signal to the people of Benue that their pains are not being ignored. Mr. President engaged in frank discussions with traditional rulers, political leaders, security operatives, and civil society actors in a town hall meeting aimed at charting a new course for peace and stability”, Senator Akume said.

    Following the President’s visit, Senator Akume disclosed that he had been directed to coordinate the formation of a high-level committee of key Benue stakeholders to fast-track peace efforts and interface directly with President Tinubu at a forthcoming meeting in Abuja.

    According to him, the committee will include former Governors of Benue State, the paramount traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv and the Och’Idoma, as well as the SGF himself and other notable stakeholders.

    Their mandate is to develop a practical, inclusive, and lasting framework to end the bloodshed and communal hostilities that have plagued the state for years.

    “This is a directive I take very seriously. I assure Mr. President and the people of Benue that I will work hand-in-hand with all critical stakeholders—local communities, civil society organisations, security agencies, and our revered traditional rulers—to build a roadmap for reconciliation and sustained peace”, the SGF stated.

    Senator Akume, a former governor of Benue State, acknowledged the complex socio-political and ethnic dimensions of the state’s conflicts but maintained that solutions are within reach through honest dialogue, mutual understanding, and political will.

    “Achieving sustainable peace requires a united effort. The time for finger-pointing is over. We must now focus on solutions, together,” he said.

    The committee’s establishment is part of President Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises peace-building, national unity, and inclusive development.

    The administration is prioritising security and reconciliation in conflict-prone areas, particularly in states like Benue, where herder-farmer clashes and communal tensions have led to devastating loss of life and livelihoods.

    Read Also: Akume visits Yelewata, calls for calm

    President Tinubu had earlier visited the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 persons were recently killed in a brutal attack by suspected armed herders.

    At the town hall meeting, the President assured the people of Benue that he would be “personally involved” in ensuring peace returns to their communities.

    Senator Akume’s latest statement signals the beginning of a coordinated federal-state response mechanism anchored on stakeholder engagement, local ownership, and high-level political commitment.

    The SGF concluded by urging all parties to rise above partisan divides and work together to restore the dignity and security of the people of Benue.

    “Peace is not a gift; it is a responsibility,” Akume said. “We owe it to our children and future generations to end this cycle of violence once and for all.”

  • Benue: The noise, the blood and the silence that matters

    Benue: The noise, the blood and the silence that matters

    Sir: Benue bleeds again. A recent massacre in Yelewata village where at least 100 to 150 lives were claimed cast a shadow over headlines, but smothered the deeper truth of decades-long sorrow. As images flash across social media in real time, outrage erupts. But near-instant outrage often substitutes for understanding. And in Benue, where tragedy is almost normalized, such performative empathy does more harm than good.

    This is not a one-off disaster. The roots go deep:

    Between 2015 and March 2023 alone, 5,138 lives were lost across Benue in herder‑farmer attacks. Under President Buhari’s term, Benue became a killing field; 6,000 killed, two million displaced. The humanitarian crisis has been ongoing under the surface of fleeting headline moments.

    The tragedy is not fodder for political stunts. The moment a video goes online, hashtags spiral: blaming the president, vilifying the government, stirring political gain. But very few pause to ask: who suffers most in these cycles of condemnation?

    The dead do not return. The displaced families do not reclaim their farms. The real loss is in our silence, our unwillingness to grasp the whole before pointing fingers. Yes, government leaders; state and federal, bear responsibility. The 2017 anti‑open grazing law in Benue was well-meaning. But it remains a paper tiger: uneven enforcement, lack of ranches, and feeble federal support. President Bola Tinubu’s speeches and increased defence budgets amount to little on the ground when arms still flow, and security forces remain under-resourced. And when political opponents oversimplify the conflict as mere religious persecution or ethnic cleansing, nuance is lost.

    At the heart of all these up-roar is a struggle over scarce resources land, water, natural resources, grazing routes exacerbated by climate change. Historically, grazing corridors existed. But escalating population, farmland encroachment, and desertification have shrunk these spaces. Compounding this are centuries-old migration, religious and ethnic tensions, cattle rustling, and political exclusion of Fulani groups. Each side bears accumulated grievances; farmers over burnt crops, herders over stolen cattle.

    This is fundamentally communal, not merely political. Solutions must be rooted in non‑kinetic, non‑violent engagement. Dialogue tables must sit Fulani herders with Tiv farmers, local officials. Traditional leaders, ranchers, security services, and federal authorities must all negotiate a win‑win framework; grazing reserves, clear land-use maps, property rights enforcement, and rapid justice for perpetrators.

    Yes, bring the perpetrators to book: those profiting from killing, whether herders or cartels supplying arms must face swift consequences. But we cannot rely on force alone. We need intelligence systems, community policing, legal reform. We need peaceful co-management of land and water.

    It’s time for Nigerians to shift from hashtag empathy to hard-won solidarity. Unleashing threads of blame on social media while clicking “share” does little for grieving widows or orphaned children.

    Read Also: ‘Nigerian varsities losing graduates to foreign countries’

    Public discourse must evolve from political opportunism to intellectual empathy; from performance to purpose. When presidents speak, let’s demand substance: “Where are the ranches? Where is land‑use reform? Who funds security at village level?”

    We demand action, but not at the cost of conscience. We must hold leaders accountable while still listening. Civil society must stop yelling into empty rooms, and start negotiating into full ones.

    A practical roadmap might include reviving grazing reserves with clear boundaries, monitored jointly by local farmers and herders, enforcement of anti-grazing laws, backed with ranching incentives and federal support, swift prosecution of killers, with community courts supported by federal justice, strengthening local security, with trained village vigilantes under lawful guidelines.

    Climate adaptation, planting trees, building dams, restoring soil to reduce migration pressure, more importantly, is the promotion of inter‑communal peace‑building through youth exchanges, shared markets, and local councils.

    If Nigeria continues to allow Benue’s blood to stain its conscience, we’ll face another generation hardened by loss, distrust, and rage. A country that waits for television headlines before honouring its fallen has already forgotten them. Benue’s suffering needs more than outrage: it needs us, grounded, knowledgeable, and purposeful. We must reject hollow political theatre and demand real solutions. Because beneath the noise and the blood, lies an entire community crying for justice, and silence is not an option.

    •Oladoja M.O,Abuja.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu arrives Benue over Yelwata killing

    BREAKING: Tinubu arrives Benue over Yelwata killing

    President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, ahead of his visit to the Yelwata community, in the Guma Local Government Area of the state.

    Read Also: Akpabio lauds Tinubu over bills establishing three tertiary institutions in S’East

    Tinubu arrived at the Makurdi Airport located at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, at about 12:58 pm.

    Details shortly…

  • Benue killing: NAF deploys more air assets in Op Whirl Stroke

    Benue killing: NAF deploys more air assets in Op Whirl Stroke

    As part of sustained efforts to restore peace and stability across the North Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Ejodame said the strategic move had reinforced the NAF’s commitment to enhancing security, supporting ground operations, and reassuring communities affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal unrest.

    He said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, conducted a firsthand evaluation of air operations under OPWS, to assess the effectiveness of these expanded efforts.

    According to him, the visit included a high-level strategic engagement held on Tuesday, at the Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.

    Ejodame said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; a representative of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira; the Commander of OPWS; and the Maritime and Air Component Commanders, alongside other key stakeholders, were part of the meeting.

    According to Ejodame, critical updates were provided on the current tempo of joint operations aimed at restoring lasting peace across the region.

    In his remarks, the CAS revealed that the newly deployed air assets had been successfully integrated into ongoing operations, delivering real-time intelligence and precision targeting support.

    He stated NAF aircraft had continued to conduct surveillance, armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions with remarkable success.

    Abubakar noted that the current deployment aligns with the Federal Government’s overarching mission to stabilise the Middle Belt region.

    He highlighted the impact of recent coordinated air and ground operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, which have led to the dismantling of several militia camps, bandit enclaves, and criminal hideouts.

    Read Also: Fed Govt set to acquire 12 Viper jets to boost NAF’s capability

    “These outcomes reinforce our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and supporting national peace-building initiatives.

    “As long as peace is threatened, our resolve remains unshaken.

    “The NAF will continue to deliver timely, decisive air support in synergy with sister services, ensuring the protection of lives and properties while advancing our mission of restoring peace to the Middle Belt and beyond,” he said.

    The Service Chiefs jointly emphasised the importance of synergy among the armed forces and other security agencies, noting that jointness remains a cornerstone for operational success under Operation Whirl Stroke.

    They reiterated that the ongoing operations are part of a broader goal to create a secure environment where residents can live and conduct their legitimate activities without fear. (NAN)

  • Iyanya dedicates song to Benue victims

    Iyanya dedicates song to Benue victims

    Afrobeats star Iyanya has released a song dedicated to the victims of the recent attacks in Benue State. 

    The attacks, which occurred in Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 200 people. 

    In his emotional tribute, Iyanya consoled the people of Benue, praying for divine intervention and healing. 

    He encouraged the victims and their families to hold onto their faith, believing that God can turn their sorrow into joy.

    Iyanya shared the song via social media, captioning it “We are praying for the people of Benue.” 

    Read Also: Iyanya predicts Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy’s collabo

    In the song, he expressed solidarity with the people of Benue, acknowledging the pain they’re going through, and prays for God’s comfort and intervention for those who lost loved ones. 

    He said: “I want to dedicate this song to all people of Benue State. It’s trying time for the whole country because we all share your pain.

    “I pray God comforts everybody who lost a friend or brother, mother, father, family member. God will intervene.”

  • Tinubu’s visit: Benue declares Wednesday work-free day

    Tinubu’s visit: Benue declares Wednesday work-free day

    The Benue Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, a work-free day.

    The declaration was announced in a statement by Mrs Deborah Aber, Secretary to the State Government on Tuesday in Makurdi.

    “This is in honour of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  who is scheduled for a one-day visit to the state.

    “The visit is to commiserate with the government and people of the state over incessant security challenges.

    Read Also: Renewed herdsmen attacks: Benue Assembly urges Alia to fully enforce anti-open grazing law

    “Note, however, that those engaged in essential services like health workers, security agencies and banks are exempted from this holiday,” she said.

    Aber urged Benue residents to come out en masse to receive the President and his entourage.

    (NAN)

  • Onoh clears air on Tinubu’s ‘Reconcile Benue’ directive

    Onoh clears air on Tinubu’s ‘Reconcile Benue’ directive

    President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the South East Dr. Josef Onoh has explained what the President meant when he told Governor Hyacinth Alia to go and reconcile parties involved the Benue state killings with the killing of over 100 indigenes in two communities of Guma local government area of Benue.

    Tinubu had issued a statement calling for Governor Alia to reconcile terrorists that perpetuated the dastard act with the victims in a bid to restore peace in Benue State, adding that Governor Alia should act as a statesman and “immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.”

    The President’s directive to the Governor has however attracted attacks with people such as a former House of Representatives member, Mark Gbillah, questioning whether Tinubu’s call for reconciliation implies he knows the identities of the killers. Gbillah suggested that if Tinubu wants reconciliation, he should reveal the killers’ identities.

    But Onoh in clarification of Tinubu’s statement, said that the President’s directive was in order and in line with a more expanded viewpoints beyond the current insecurity crisis as the root causes of the terrorist activities in Benue state, stressing that the crisis goes beyond the surface perspective which some Nigerians are forming their opinion to criticize the president’s statement. 

    Read Also: Obi hails Tinubu’s planned visit to Benue

    Onoh said that the President understands the complexities surrounding the insecurity issues in Benue State, which he noted also has deep-rooted ethnic dimension but often framed as ethnic and religious (Christian vs. Muslim) crisis, with some alleging ethnic cleansing by Fulani herders against the indigenous Tiv, Idoma and other communities. 

    “This perception has continuously fueled mistrust and retaliatory violence. From that perspective, the president’s statement is in order. Also, intra-ethnic and communal clashes which most politicians and indigenes of Benue State are fully aware of are beyond herder-farmer conflicts. 

    “Their intra-ethnic and communal disputes among Benue’s indigenous groups contributed to the current insecurity and from that perspective, the president’s statement is in order because these disputes often arise over land boundaries, Chieftaincy titles, and political representation,” he stated. 

    He gave the instance of attacks in communities such as Umogidi in Otukpo LGA (April 2023) which highlights internal communal violence.

    “Therefore, the President’s statement is clear, and the people he’s talking to know he’s not speaking in tongues but knows the right thing to do. The ethnic problems in Benue, particularly the herder-farmer conflicts, intra-ethnic disputes, and banditry, are deeply intertwined with issues of resource competition, weak governance, and historical grievances,” Onoh insisted in his defense.

    He stated that the dynamics have created a cycle of violence and displacement, with over two million people affected in recent years. He said that it was based on the realities that prompted the president’s statement aimed at addressing the challenges beyond the current situation and requires a multifaceted approach that combines security reforms, economic development, and inclusive governance to foster peace and stability in Benue State. 

    He said: “This was the major reason President Bola Ahmed Tinubu charged the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to convene reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed in the state.”