Insider Collaboration Accentuating Banditry, Terrorism, Says Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Musa
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has accused certain elements within the Nigerian military of sabotaging efforts, linking them to the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, which resulted in over 200 deaths.
This allegation comes as President Bola Tinubu rearranges his schedule to prioritize a visit to Makurdi, Benue State’s capital, amidst escalating violence in rural communities.
During a visit to assess the devastation caused by the recent attack, Musa revealed that some military personnel have been compromising security by providing crucial information to bandits.
He emphasized the need for strategic changes, urging collaboration with state authorities and community leaders to restore peace and trust.
President Tinubu’s visit underscores his commitment to reconciliation and sustainable peace in the region.
He plans to engage with various stakeholders, including traditional, political, and religious leaders, as well as civil society representatives. A special town hall meeting is scheduled to facilitate dialogue and consensus-building.
A delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has arrived in Benue to prepare for the President’s visit. This team includes key security figures, demonstrating the government’s resolve to address the humanitarian and security challenges in the area.
In another development, President Tinubu has advocated for constitutional reforms to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture, proposing the decentralization of policing to empower states with local oversight while ensuring national cohesion.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has condemned the attack in Benue, describing it as an affront to human dignity. The Forum extends condolences to the affected families and pledges cooperation with authorities to restore peace.
The Sultan of Sokoto and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have both denounced the renewed violence, calling for proactive security measures and a state of emergency in the affected areas.
Political figures, including Peter Obi and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have criticized the government’s response to the killings, urging decisive action to protect citizens and restore public confidence.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has lambasted the presidency’s approach, demanding unequivocal condemnation and justice for the victims.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the federal government to deploy all security apparatus to prevent further violence, warning of a potential holocaust.
Former Senate President David Mark has condemned the ongoing violence, warning that citizens may resort to self-defense if the government fails to act.
Doctors have raised concerns about a looming humanitarian crisis, citing the impact of violence on healthcare systems and the increased risks to health workers.
A report by SBM Intelligence highlights climate change and violent conflicts as dual threats to Nigeria’s food security, emphasizing the need for robust conflict resolution and policy implementation.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has condemned the killings, calling for collective action against insecurity and expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s directive to restore peace in Benue.
