Benue Killings: Military Launches Air Surveillance as IG Assumes Security Control

Benue Killings: Military Launches Air Surveillance as IG Assumes Security Control

On Sunday, the military deployed aerial surveillance over Makurdi, the Benue State capital, and surrounding areas in response to Saturday’s deadly attacks in Yelwata and Daudu communities within Guma Local Government Area.

A correspondent observed military aircraft patrolling the skies over Makurdi and neighbouring LGAs, including Guma and Gwer West, throughout the day.

A military officer, who spoken on condition of anonymity since he was not authorised to speak on the issue, said the air surveillance was to monitor the situation in Makurdi and its environs.

“The air surveillance is to monitor the situation of things around Makurdi and its environs, so we will know how to tackle it swiftly.

The residents should not panic, the military is on top of the situation,” the military officer said.

This comes as the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, took over the state’s security.

No fewer than 100 people were reportedly killed and several others injured when terrorists invaded the communities on Saturday.

Following the killings, some protesters on Sunday converged at the Wurukum Roundabouts in Makurdi, carrying leaves and appealed to the Federal Government to protect all the citizens in its sovereignty.

Speaking on their behalf, Brahms Ikuan and Gideon Inyom lamented the incessant killings in the state, saying that the authorities did nothing to protect the people.

The police had to disperse them with teargas after they refused to allow the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode and the Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, to address them.

Speaking with journalists, Ifeanyi said, “The IG has taken over the security of Benue State.

“As I speak to you now, the IG has already sent Special Forces who are already on the ground and more are coming.

“All the Special Forces are intelligence forces, they will go to where the bandits are and get them.

“The ones you see here on the ground just arrived last night. The previous sets have been deployed to Naka, Apa, Agatu, Daudu and Yelewata. We are in control of the situation, so I’m assuring all citizens of the state that we are in control.”

The CP said all the security agencies are united in confronting insecurity in the state, adding that some arrests had been made.

The police boss said Governor Hyacinth Alia had already given security operatives in the state all the necessary support.

“All the logistics, every support we need has been made available by Governor Alia. We want everyone to be patient,” he said.

The police commissioner stated that what happened on Saturday in Yelwata was a result of the deployment of policemen to the troubled Apa and Gwer West local government areas.

He added, “What happened in Yelwata yesterday is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West and moving seriously in Agatu.

“They just want to do something to show that they are in control while they are not and will never be.

“Whatever is paining you is paining us more. We are here to protect lives and property. We have security everywhere now, even in Yelwata, there are tactical teams in the bush even before the attack.”

The CP said the security agencies already had the intelligence reports on the movement of the gunmen, adding that the results would justify their efforts.

“Give the special forces and tactical teams a room to work. If you prolong your stay here you are giving the enemies more time to plan.

“We have intelligence reports of their movement and we are blocking them and you will see the result,” the police boss told the protesters.

Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, top intelligence officials, along with police and military personnel, have been deployed to Benue State to take charge of security operations and restore order after the recent deadly attacks.

The President also instructed Governor Hyacinth Alia to initiate reconciliation and peace talks among the conflicting groups to put an end to the recurring violence.

“This is the moment for Governor Alia to rise as a true statesman and immediately lead a process of dialogue and reconciliation that can restore lasting peace in Benue,” said a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“Our people must coexist peacefully—and that becomes possible when leaders across divides come together, engage in honest dialogue, and address their differences with fairness, openness, and justice,” the statement added.