The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has moved to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. He did this because of the many violent attacks and killings happening in rural areas, which are believed to be caused by herders and armed groups.

People are very worried as the violence keeps growing. Many villagers have lost their lives, others have been hurt, and many homes have been destroyed. This has left many families without shelter. The attacks are happening almost every day, which has caused fear and anger across the state.

Military sources said that General Oluyede left Abuja on Tuesday morning with his top officers and other senior army officials. They are going to Benue to check the security situation in person.

During his visit, the army chief has ordered more soldiers to be sent to Benue. These troops will fight the armed groups responsible for the killings. He will also meet with military commanders to look at what has been done so far and plan new ways to stop the violence.

General Oluyede plans to visit the communities that have been attacked. He wants to see the damage for himself, tell people they are safe, and promise the army will protect peaceful citizens. He will also visit military camps, speak with soldiers, and lead some operations to encourage and guide the troops.

Sources told Vanguard news that the army chief is very troubled by the reports of mass killings. He may make changes by moving some commanders to new roles to make the military response stronger.

Observers say the recent attacks look like ethnic cleansing. Last weekend, gunmen killed at least 43 people in several communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas. Just a week before, herdsmen attacked a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, on the Makurdi-Naka road and attacked four villages in Gwer West, including the village of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe. That attack killed 42 people, including a police officer.

The army chief is expected to stay in Benue for a few days before going back to Abuja.