The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has urged traditional rulers and stakeholders in Benue State to unite with the military in a renewed push to end the surge of deadly attacks plaguing communities across the state.
During a strategic meeting held Tuesday in Makurdi, the state capital, General Musa expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and made a passionate appeal for unity in the fight for peace.
“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,” he said firmly, addressing local leaders.
Referencing peacekeeping successes abroad, he added, “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?”
The Defence Chief stressed that achieving stability in Benue hinges on collaboration and trust. He promised that no soldier will act against the people and anyone found culpable would face prosecution. “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,” he emphasized.
Drawing from his personal experience in Zango Kataf, Kaduna State—a region once riddled with conflict—General Musa pointed out that peace was restored through local dialogue and community cooperation. “A house that is divided cannot stand. It is only when we are together that we can be able to face our common enemy, and that’s very critical,” he noted.
Benue has seen a string of brutal assaults in recent weeks, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and the displacement of entire communities. The violence has triggered nationwide outrage and demonstrations demanding swift government action.
In response, General Musa ordered military commanders to launch operations targeting the attackers’ hideouts. “We must find out where they are. We must go after them. And that’s the directive I’m giving my commanders,” he declared. “We’re going to go after them so that we can dislodge them. We shouldn’t wait until they come to attack people.”
Amid the worsening situation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue on Wednesday. According to his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu has already sent top-level officials—including the Inspector General of Police, intelligence chiefs, and defence committee chairpersons—to prepare the ground for a town hall meeting with stakeholders.
“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” Onanuga said, confirming Tinubu’s plans to personally engage with the people of Benue and assess the security crisis firsthand.
Tinubu has also extended his condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated his commitment to restoring peace to the troubled state.
