Upperhill News

The Nigerian military has deployed aerial surveillance across Makurdi and its environs in the wake of the deadly attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday.

Men and officers of the Nigerian Police in the state also dispersed protesters on Sunday using teargas cannisters.

It was earlier reported that no fewer than 100 persons were feared killed and numerous others injured when terrorists invaded the communities using commercial buses.

Low-flying military aircrafts have been observed hovering over Makurdi and other parts of neighbouring Guma and Gwer West LGAs since Sunday morning.

According to a military officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, the aerial surveillance was part of a strategy to monitor developments in the area.

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

“The residents should not panic; the military is on top of the situation,” the source noted.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, revealed that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had assumed control of security operations in Benue State, just as he added that Special Forces are already on ground, and more are expected arrive.

“All the Special Forces are intelligence-based. They will go, no matter where the bandits are, and get them,” Ifeanyi said.

He noted that some units had arrived in Makurdi the previous night, while earlier deployed forces had been stationed in Naka, Apa, Agatu, Daudu, and Yelwata.

“We are in control of the situation, so I’m assuring all citizens of the state that we are in control.

“All the security agencies are with us on this. We have already made some arrests.”

The commissioner pointed out that Governor Hyacinth Alia had provided all necessary logistical support to aid security operations.

He said that the early Saturday attack in Yelwata may have been opportunistic, as a large number of officers had earlier been deployed to other hotspots.

”What you see happening in Yelwata yesterday is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West and are 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.


“Give the Special Forces and tactical teams 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 end result,” Ifeanyi said.