The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has raised concerns over suspected insider collaboration in the repeated attacks on communities in Benue State.
General Musa described the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, as “one killing too many.”
At least 100 people were killed on Saturday when armed assailants invaded the Yelwata community in one of the deadliest attacks in the region this year.
Speaking during a visit to the scene on Monday, General Musa said preliminary findings suggested that some residents may be aiding the attackers by providing critical intelligence.
“In my estimation, it is one killing too many. We have observed that the way some of the burnings were carried out shows they were targeted. It indicates the presence of insiders compromising security efforts,” he said.
He was in Benue State to assess the situation and commiserate with Governor Hyacinth Alia and the grieving community.
General Musa announced that the military would review its operational strategy and increase collaboration with local stakeholders, including traditional rulers and community leaders.
“We are going to change our strategies to look inwards. But we cannot do it alone. We need the communities to be part of this effort,” he said.
According to the military chief, consultations have begun with relevant grassroots actors to rebuild trust and encourage information-sharing.
“There may be issues of trust and we are going to address them. We want this to be the last attack of this nature. We will go all out to ensure peace is restored,” he said.
General Musa further disclosed plans to visit Nasarawa State to strengthen border security coordination.
He emphasized the need to stop the attackers before they cross into Benue.
“We always receive information that these attackers are coming from across the borders. Wherever they are coming from, we will go after them. We must not wait for them to strike first,” he stated.
He also appealed to Nigerian youth to remain hopeful in the face of repeated violence, insisting that the nation must stand firm.
“This is our country. We can never give up our country for anything. And this madness must stop,” he declared.
Reacting to the visit, Chairman of Guma LGA, Maurice Orwough, described it as a powerful gesture that brings renewed hope to the affected communities.
“The visit of the Chief of Defence Staff gives our people in Guma LGA a sense of hope. It shows that the Nigerian government is genuinely concerned about the situation in Benue State,” Orwough said.
He noted that the CDS’s presence gave local leaders the opportunity to share first-hand information about the attack and their security needs.
“The quick response from the authorities gives our people some confidence that the government is paying attention. It is a sign of hope for us,” he added.