In response to the deadly attacks that rocked Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday, the Nigerian military has deployed aerial surveillance operations across Makurdi and its environs.
A military source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the development on Sunday, stating that the move was a proactive measure to ensure real-time monitoring and enhance rapid response to any further threats in the region.
“The deployment of air assets is to give us a clearer picture of movements in and out of the troubled areas. It will also assist our ground troops in responding swiftly if there are signs of renewed hostilities,” the source said.
The surveillance operation follows the tragic incident in which several lives were reportedly lost and homes destroyed, sparking renewed fears among residents of the conflict-prone Guma axis. While exact casualty figures are yet to be independently verified, local authorities say efforts are ongoing to restore calm and investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Meanwhile, residents in Makurdi and nearby communities have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
As of press time, neither the Benue State Government nor the Defence Headquarters had issued an official statement on the killings or the air surveillance operation.