The Federal Government of Nigeria through the military, has deployed aerial surveillance across Makurdi, Benue State following the deadly attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of the State which started on Saturday.

Meanwhile, protesters who had earlier gathered peacefully at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, carrying leaves and calling on the Federal Government to protect citizens across the country, were on Sunday, dispersed with teargas by the state police.

During the demonstration, the protesters had refused to allow the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, and the Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, address them which led to the police’s resolve of using teargas on them.

On Sunday morning, low-flying military aircraft were seen hovering over Makurdi, neighbouring Guma and Gwer West LGAs to observe the situation of things.

According to the Military, the surveillance is to find out what is happening first, before they can diverse means of tackling it.

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

On Sunday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, in an interview with journalists, disclosed that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had taken over security operations in Benue.

“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-based. They will go, no matter where the bandits are, and get them.

“Some units had arrived in Makurdi the on Saturday night, while forces deployed earlier have 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,” he said.

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

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Explaining why it was possible for Yelwata to be attacked, Ifeanyi said; “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.”

Between Saturday and Sunday, no fewer than 200 people were killed and others injured in the aforementioned areas of Benue State after terrorists invaded the communities using commercial buses.

In a video of the tragic incident seen by NEWSMAXNG on the internet, some houses were burnt down with its residents; men, women, children and adults.

Citizens have continued crying out for help from the Federal Government as they have lost their loved ones and family within a short period.