Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has expressed deep alarm over indications of internal sabotage following the brutal massacre in Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
General Musa, who visited the devastated community on Monday to assess the situation and commiserate with victims, described the killing of over 100 residents on Saturday as “one tragedy too many,” warning that preliminary investigations point to the possible involvement of insiders who may have provided intelligence to the assailants.
“This incident is deeply disturbing. The pattern of the attacks especially the way specific homes were burnt suggests deliberate targeting. It strongly indicates that certain individuals from within the community may be aiding the attackers,” the CDS stated during a media briefing at the attack site.
According to General Musa, the military is now reviewing its operational strategies and will adopt a more localized approach, leveraging traditional institutions and community networks to improve intelligence gathering and preempt future assaults.
“We cannot win this fight alone. Security is a shared responsibility. Our new strategy will involve closer partnerships with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community stakeholders. We must begin to look inward to uncover those who are betraying their people,” he said.
The CDS acknowledged that part of the challenge has been a breakdown in trust between security forces and local residents, a gap he vowed to bridge.
“We understand there may be hesitations in working with security agencies due to past experiences. But this must change. We want Yelwata to be the last place in Benue where such a massacre occurs. We are committed to regaining the people’s confidence.”
General Musa also announced plans to travel to neighboring Nasarawa State to coordinate border security efforts aimed at intercepting armed groups before they cross into Benue territory.
“We often receive credible reports indicating that these attackers infiltrate from across state lines. We will be proactive moving forward. They must be neutralized before they strike again,” he emphasized.
In a passionate appeal to the nation's youth, General Musa urged them not to lose faith in Nigeria despite recurring violence.
“This is our home. Nigeria belongs to all of us. No matter the challenges, we cannot afford to give up. This madness must stop, and we will not relent until peace returns to every inch of our country.”
Responding to the CDS's visit, Chairman of Guma Local Government, Maurice Orwough, praised the high-level intervention, describing it as a beacon of hope for the grieving people of the area.
“General Musa’s presence here is more than symbolic. It restores confidence in our people. It shows the federal government is listening, and that the pain of Benue is not going unnoticed.”
Orwough added that the visit allowed local leaders to directly communicate their needs to military authorities and offer firsthand accounts of the recent atrocity.
“We have long cried out for help. For the first time in a while, we feel heard. We believe this could be the beginning of a more serious and people-centered approach to security in our region.”
The massacre in Yelwata is one of the deadliest in Benue’s recent history, adding to a long list of violent attacks that have plagued the state in recent years, often attributed to suspected herdsmen militias.
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