Yelwata Tragedy: Locals in Benue Aided Gunmen with Food, Shelter, Women — Chief of Defence Staff

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has made a disturbing revelation concerning the Yelwata massacre in Benue State. He alleged that certain individuals within the state provided hospitality — including food, accommodation, and even women — to the armed militants who executed the brutal assault that left numerous civilians dead.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, General Musa emphasized that local informants also disclosed the precise location of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Yelwata, which contributed significantly to the high casualty rate.

General Musa noted that military personnel had previously obtained intelligence regarding imminent attacks in several parts of Benue and were strategically deployed. However, this intelligence was ultimately a misdirection, as the real attack occurred in Yelwata through a rapid strike-and-withdraw tactic.

“The armed assailants were hosted by people in the area. They received meals, were offered women, and directed to the IDP camp. Yet, not a single alert reached the security agencies,” General Musa lamented.

He highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has now directed the full deployment of all security forces—including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and intelligence units—to track and arrest those involved in the killings.

General Musa reiterated the importance of community cooperation, stressing that security is a shared responsibility. He urged residents to report any suspicious activities, asserting that proactive citizen engagement could prevent future tragedies.

Further expressing concern, General Musa urged the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s fragile borders. He warned that weapons and fighters are freely entering the country from unstable nations such as Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic, worsening regional security challenges.

Drawing lessons from abroad, the CDS advised that Nigeria could adopt Pakistan’s border strategy, particularly its double-layered fortified wall built along its border with Afghanistan, as an effective model to emulate.

He offered heartfelt condolences to the families of victims in Yelwata and other conflict zones, while reaffirming the military’s unwavering dedication to achieving national peace.

“These losses are devastating. We are determined to pursue justice for the victims and to rebuild peace across Nigeria,” General Musa concluded, calling for a “Whole-of-Society” approach involving joint efforts between the military, civil authorities, and the general public.