The Nigerian military deployed air surveillance over Makurdi, Benue State and its environs on Sunday in the wake of the killings in Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to online reports, the surveillance aircraft has been hovering over the capital city and neighbouring local government areas, such as Guma and Gwer West, since Sunday morning.
A military officer who craved anonymity as he was authorised to speak on the matter disclosed that 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,” he shared.
The development comes after the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, took over the security of the state.
No less than 100 people reportedly lost their lives while several others were injured after communities in Benue were invaded by terrorists on Saturday.
Daily Sun reported that Benue youths protested the killings on Sunday, blocking the popular Wurukum roundabout and disrupting both human and vehicular movements.
Addressing the media at the protest scene, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari said IGP Egbetokun has taken over security in the state with a pledge to apprehend the killers wherever they may be hiding.
He appealed to the protesters to be patient as they were working hard to nip the challenges in the bud.
“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,” he said.