Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, raised serious concerns on Monday about possible insider collaboration with the attackers responsible for the recent spate of killings in Benue State.
Our correspondent reports that armed invaders killed at least 100 people on Saturday in the Yelewata community of Guma Local Government Area.
General Musa, who visited the scene to assess the situation and commiserate with Governor Hyacinth Alia and the people of Benue, revealed that security agencies suspect some individuals within the affected communities are supplying vital information to the attackers.
“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,” the CDS said.
He emphasised the importance of collective involvement in the fight to secure the environment and indicated that a change in military strategy was underway.
He assured that the military would work more closely with local stakeholders to tackle the crisis.
“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.
General Musa also disclosed that consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local communities have already commenced in an effort to rebuild trust and foster collaboration.
“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 added.
The defence chief further announced plans to visit Nasarawa State to enhance border security coordination, which he described as crucial in preventing cross-border attacks.
“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 said.
Addressing the youth, General Musa urged them not to lose hope, insisting that Nigeria must not surrender to violence.
“This is our country. We can never give up our country for anything. And this madness must stop,” the CDS declared.
Responding to the CDS’s visit, Maurice Orwough, Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, expressed that the visit brought renewed hope to the people.
Speaking on the sidelines, Orwough said, “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. This visit allows us to provide him with first-hand information about what is happening here and what we need.”
He added that the visit would help restore residents’ trust in the federal government.
“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,” Orwough said.
