Military aircraft have been seen flying over Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, and surrounding areas following deadly attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area. The air surveillance began early Sunday morning and is part of broader efforts by the Nigerian military to restore calm and gather intelligence on those responsible for the violence.
The aircraft have continued to circle over Makurdi and extended their patrols to neighboring communities, including Guma and Gwer West. A military source, who asked not to be named, said the purpose of the aerial patrols is to monitor the situation from above and ensure a quick response when needed.
“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 officer said.
This action comes shortly after Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assumed full control of the security situation in Benue. His decision follows a wave of violence that reportedly left over 100 people dead and several others injured after suspected terrorists attacked rural communities in the area.
On Sunday, hundreds of youths in Makurdi took to the streets to protest the killings. They blocked the busy Wurukum roundabout, halting movement and calling for immediate government intervention. The protest drew the attention of law enforcement officers and state officials.
While speaking to reporters during the protest, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said that the IGP had already deployed Special Forces to the state. According to him, these units are made up of intelligence personnel trained to locate and apprehend criminals no matter where they hide.
“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 ground and more are coming. All the Special Forces are intelligence forces, they will go no matter where the bandits are and get them,” Emenari stated.
He also urged the youth to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their duties. Emenari noted that the police are working with other security forces to bring those responsible to justice.
