Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has concluded a two-day operational assessment visit to Benue State, vowing to intensify military action against those responsible for the recent attacks in Yelwata community.
During the visit, General Musa toured the attack sites, received operational briefings, and held crucial stakeholder engagements aimed at restoring peace in the troubled state.
He was received by Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General M.K. Gara, alongside other top operational commanders in the North Central.
Describing the violence as “uncalled for and senseless,” the CDS extended his condolences to families affected by the attacks and condemned the bloodshed in strong terms.
“We must all agree this must stop,” General Musa declared. “I urge residents to work with the military and other security agencies to eliminate the criminal elements.”
Also on the visit was the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who assured the Yelwata community of the police’s unflinching resolve to bring justice to victims and restore law and order.
“The police will not sleep nor rest until the perpetrators are brought to book,” the IGP said. “We will relentlessly pursue the criminal elements and bring them to justice.”
Benue State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, commended the show of federal force, describing the attacks as a “tragic and unnecessary bloodbath.” He said the strong presence of security forces “will rekindle the hope to continue living.”
On the second day of his tour, General Musa convened a town hall meeting with stakeholders drawn from the state’s three geopolitical zones—including traditional rulers, youth leaders, and religious figures. He appealed for cooperation and unity in the face of insecurity.
“We must work with members of the Armed Forces as a united front to bridge trust and restore confidence in the system,” the CDS urged.
He later received field briefings at the Headquarters of 401 Special Forces Brigade, where he directed commanders to “protect the lives and properties of law-abiding citizens” and intensify collaboration with local communities to devise long-term solutions.
General Musa’s visit signals a renewed push by the Armed Forces and sister security agencies to confront insecurity in Benue and ensure lasting peace for its people.
