After the killings in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday in the communities of Yelwata and Daudu, the military on Sunday conducted air surveillance over Makurdi and the surrounding area.
One of our correspondents observed that the surveillance aircraft hovered over the capital city and neighbouring local government areas such as Guma and Gwer West since Sunday morning.
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.
