By Patrick Idowu
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has attributed the recent wave of violent attacks in Benue State to foreign mercenaries, stressing that the perpetrators do not reflect Nigerian values or identity.
Speaking on Saturday at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation quarterly media chat in Akure, Ondo State, Oluyede, represented by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, described the attackers’ behaviour as “utterly despicable,” noting that their actions suggest they are not Nigerians.
“These individuals may be foreign elements,” he said. “Their methods and conduct do not reflect our national character or value system.”
He assured that the military was committed to restoring peace and stability in Benue and other affected states, adding that robust security operations would soon be intensified to flush out the attackers.
“In the coming weeks, we’ll implement comprehensive security measures in Benue to bring these atrocities to an end,” he said.
Oluyede confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has issued firm directives for the military to act decisively, and personnel are now fully deployed to confront the threat.
He also appealed for support from local communities, urging them to provide timely and credible intelligence to aid military response.
“The Army cannot be everywhere at once. We need the people’s help. Delays in accurate information slow our response. That must change if we are to win this fight together,” he added
