‘There are saboteurs’ — CDS alleges military insider role in Benue massacre
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has alleged insider sabotage within the Nigerian military in connection with the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, where over 200 people were killed. Musa, during a visit to assess the aftermath of the attacks, claimed that some soldiers were leaking sensitive information to bandits, which may have enabled the targeted killings and arson. He emphasised the need to overhaul military strategies and work closely with local authorities to rebuild trust.
President Bola Tinubu, in response to the escalating violence, has cancelled a scheduled trip to Kaduna and will instead visit Makurdi, the Benue State capital. According to the Presidency, the visit, scheduled for tomorrow, is intended to promote reconciliation and peace. Tinubu is expected to meet with traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and displaced persons in a town hall engagement.
Ahead of the visit, a delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, including top security chiefs and lawmakers, has arrived in Benue. The Presidency said the visit would allow Tinubu to conduct a firsthand assessment of the humanitarian crisis and security breakdown in affected communities.
While addressing a legislative dialogue on constitutional reform, Tinubu, represented by Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, pushed for state policing. He called for the removal of policing from the Exclusive Legislative List, arguing that decentralised policing would better address Nigeria’s complex security needs.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Sultan of Sokoto condemned the massacre. NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the killings as an affront to human dignity, pledging support to Benue State. The Sultan, through JNI, decried the recurring failure of security agencies to prevent attacks and urged stakeholders to prioritise intelligence-driven security.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also called for a state of emergency in Benue and deployment of more security personnel. Its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, demanded swift prosecution of perpetrators and a transparent investigation. He blamed persistent government inaction for emboldening attackers and prolonging the cycle of violence.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi criticised the federal government’s muted response, accusing leaders of lacking empathy. He condemned the absence of national mourning or presidential presence at the scene, describing the leadership as disconnected and unaccountable. Obi urged Nigerians to prioritise competence and compassion in electing leaders.
Former Senate President David Mark warned that continued government failure could force citizens to resort to self-defence. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also condemned the killings and criticised the federal government’s response as weak, urging decisive military action and justice for the victims.
