Benue Massacre: Military Launches Aerial Surveillance, Police Disperse Protesters

In response to the deadly attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Benue State’s Guma Local Government Area, the Nigerian military has launched aerial surveillance across Makurdi and its environs. The attack, reportedly carried out by terrorists using commercial buses, left over 100 people feared dead.

Military aircraft were seen flying low over Makurdi, Guma, and Gwer West LGAs on Sunday. A military source confirmed the aerial patrols were designed to monitor the region and assist with rapid response efforts.

“Residents should not panic; the military is on top of the situation,” the officer said.

Police Teargas Protesters in Makurdi

On the same day, police used teargas to disperse protesters gathered at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi. The demonstrators, carrying green leaves in peaceful protest, demanded increased federal protection for Benue residents. They reportedly refused to allow Deputy Governor Sam Ode and Police Commissioner Emenari Ifeanyi to address them.

IG Takes Over Benue Security

Police Commissioner Ifeanyi later told reporters that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had assumed full control of security in Benue and deployed Special Forces to key flashpoints.

“These forces are intelligence-based and will pursue the bandits wherever they hide,” he stated.

Special units have already arrived in Makurdi, while other operatives have been stationed in areas like Naka, Apa, Agatu, Daudu, and Yelwata.

Ifeanyi added that the state government, under Governor Hyacinth Alia, has provided all necessary logistics to support security operations. He said the Yelwata killings may have been a retaliatory act by armed groups trying to divert attention from their losses elsewhere.

“They just want to create fear, but we are in control. We’ve already made arrests,” the commissioner assured.

He urged the public to cooperate and give Special Forces room to operate without disruption.

“We have intelligence on their movements, and we are blocking them. The results will be evident soon,” he said.