CDS General Musa Visits Yelwata After Deadly Attack: Tinubu, IGP, Others React as Benue Violence Escalates
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has visited Yelwata, a town in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, to assess the devastation following a brutal attack by suspected armed herders and bandits. The violent assault, which occurred on Friday night, has reportedly claimed the lives of over 100 residents, according to local sources, sparking outrage and widespread protests across the state.
This visit by the nation’s top military commander comes amid growing insecurity in Benue State, where several communities have been under siege from bandit attacks, with rising fatalities, destroyed homes, and hundreds displaced. The atmosphere is tense, and residents are increasingly demanding concrete action from the federal government and security forces to end the cycle of violence.
Background: A State Under Siege
Benue State, often referred to as the "Food Basket of the Nation," has long been plagued by deadly clashes between local farming communities and suspected herdsmen. These attacks have become increasingly coordinated and destructive, affecting livelihoods and destabilizing local governance.
The Friday night massacre in Yelwata is one of the most devastating incidents in recent times. Eyewitness accounts describe the attackers as heavily armed men who invaded the community in the dead of night, firing indiscriminately at villagers, torching homes, and causing mass panic. Many residents fled into the surrounding forests to escape the carnage.
In response to the tragedy, General Musa’s visit is viewed as a crucial step in assessing the security situation firsthand and coordinating a more effective military response.
General Musa’s Mission in Benue
General Christopher Musa arrived in Yelwata on Monday as part of a broader military assessment tour of crisis-prone areas. His presence in Benue underscores the seriousness of the security threat posed by these incessant attacks. During his visit, the CDS is expected to meet with stakeholders, security commanders, and community leaders to better understand the ground realities and implement actionable countermeasures.
According to military sources, General Musa will also meet with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Benue State Government House to discuss how state and federal forces can collaborate more effectively to protect vulnerable communities.
This is not the first high-profile visit in the wake of the Yelwata killings. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also arrived in Benue on a similar mission, signaling a possible multi-agency approach to tackling the security crisis.
Widespread Outrage and Youth Protests
Following the attack, angry youths from Yelwata and surrounding communities took to the streets to express their frustration. On Saturday, they blocked the busy Lafia-Makurdi highway, halting traffic and demanding that both the federal and state governments act decisively to bring the killers to justice.
The protest extended into Sunday, when demonstrators stormed Makurdi, the state capital. Tensions escalated as police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. The youth accused the government of neglect and complicity, questioning why such attacks have been allowed to persist without accountability.
Speaking with NaijaRush, a protester who identified himself as Terna said:
“We are tired of crying and burying our people every week. We need protection, not promises. This country belongs to us too. Enough is enough.”
Tinubu Reacts: Orders Immediate Crackdown on Perpetrators
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, responding to the mounting criticism and public outcry, issued a statement late Sunday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. In the statement, he described the killings in Benue as “senseless bloodletting” and called for urgent action from all security agencies.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue,” Tinubu said.
The President emphasized that no group or individual involved in such atrocities should be spared justice, irrespective of their background or political affiliations. He also urged community and political leaders to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could worsen the already volatile situation.
“We must all unite to ensure peace. Unity is non-negotiable, and where there is justice and fairness, there will be peace,” Tinubu added.
Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis
With over 100 lives reportedly lost in Friday night’s massacre alone, Benue is fast becoming one of the most dangerous places in Nigeria for rural dwellers. Hundreds of families have been forced to flee their ancestral homes, seeking refuge in makeshift IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps that are already overwhelmed and under-resourced.
Local humanitarian workers warn that without immediate intervention, a full-blown humanitarian disaster is looming. Children are the most affected, with many separated from their parents or severely traumatized by the violence.
A community leader in Guma LGA told NaijaRush:
“These killings have gone on for too long. Our people are living in fear. They can’t go to their farms anymore. Hunger is around the corner.”
Calls for Lasting Peace and National Attention
The Benue crisis is no longer a local issue; it’s a national security emergency. The killings have drawn condemnation from civil society groups, human rights organizations, and international observers who argue that the government must show more political will to address the root causes of the conflict.
Security analysts suggest that the crisis is fueled by a mix of ethnic tensions, competition over land and resources, and the proliferation of arms among non-state actors. While the federal government’s deployment of security forces is commendable, experts argue that long-term peace will require a combination of military action, genuine reconciliation, and socio-economic development.
The Road Ahead: What Needs to Be Done
To address the Benue crisis comprehensively, several actions must be taken:
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Increased Security Presence – The federal government must maintain a permanent security presence in vulnerable areas.
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Justice and Accountability – Perpetrators must be arrested, prosecuted, and punished, regardless of tribe, religion, or political connections.
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Community Reconciliation – As President Tinubu advised, Governor Alia must lead peacebuilding efforts involving traditional rulers, youth leaders, and religious figures.
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Support for IDPs – Humanitarian aid must be ramped up for displaced persons, including shelter, food, medical care, and psychosocial support.
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Land Reforms and Policy Dialogue – The root causes of the herder-farmer conflict—especially access to land and grazing routes—must be openly addressed through policy reform.
Conclusion
The visit of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa to Yelwata is a powerful statement that the Nigerian military is aware and concerned about the security crisis in Benue State. However, visits and statements are not enough. What Nigerians—and especially Benue indigenes—are demanding is action. Swift, decisive, and sustained action.
As President Tinubu rightly said, “This is a time for leadership, not politics.” Whether the leadership at all levels will rise to the occasion remains to be seen. But for the people of Benue, the hope is that this tragedy will be the turning point that finally brings peace to their land.
