In response to a surge in deadly attacks across Benue State, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa has ordered military commanders to actively pursue and dismantle the groups responsible for the violence.
The latest wave of killings in the agriculturally rich region has resulted in numerous deaths, widespread displacement, and serious injuries, drawing national outrage and protests.
During a meeting with traditional rulers in Makurdi on Tuesday, General Musa made it clear that the Armed Forces will not sit idly by while communities are being terrorised.
“We must find out where they are. We must go after them. And that’s the directive I’m giving my commanders,” General Musa declared.
He revealed that intelligence has identified potential hideouts of the attackers and assured that the military will take action before further violence occurs.
“We have had some areas where we think they are holding up, where they are gathering. We’re going to go after them so that we can dislodge them. We shouldn’t wait until they come to attack people,” he said.
General Musa, while acknowledging the pain and suffering of affected residents, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to peace and protection of civilians.
“The Armed Forces are with you. We are pained about what’s happening. For me, it’s a personal thing. I don’t want to be the chief of defense of our Armed Forces when people are being killed. No, we have gone to Liberia, we’re going to Sierra Leone, we’ve gone to other countries, and have brought peace. Why not in our own country?”
He also stressed the military’s zero tolerance for internal sabotage and pledged accountability within the ranks.
“So I want to assure you, no member of the Armed Forces is going to be against one. If we notice anybody who’s there, we’re ready to prosecute that person. But we are going to count on your support so that we can be able to achieve [peace] and work together. We must achieve [peace] together.”
President Bola Tinubu has also taken direct action in light of the escalating crisis.
He is scheduled to visit Benue State on Wednesday to assess the situation firsthand.
Ahead of his visit, he has sent a high-level delegation, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, national security chiefs, and defence committee chairpersons from the National Assembly.
According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga:
“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit.”
President Tinubu has extended his condolences to the victims and their families, while instructing security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in the state.
