The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has alleged that insiders within the Nigerian military provided information to bandits involved in the deadly attack on Yelewata community in Benue State, which left over 200 people dead.
During a visit to the community on Monday to assess the destruction caused by the weekend massacre, Gen Musa described the killings as one too many, emphasizing the need for a change in strategy and tighter internal security within the armed forces.
“This is one killing too many,” the CDS said. “We need to look inward. There have been betrayals people within our ranks who volunteer sensitive information to the enemy. The pattern of killings and burnings clearly points to insider involvement.”
He added that the attacks appeared targeted and coordinated, suggesting that those responsible had access to confidential details about the community and military operations.
Gen Musa said he had already engaged traditional rulers and community leaders in discussions to rebuild trust and foster collaboration in restoring peace to the area.
“We cannot do it alone without the support of the State. There must be synergy between the military, local authorities, and the people,” he said.
The CDS assured residents that measures would be immediately put in place to prevent further attacks, promising that the military would pursue those responsible and intensify efforts to secure the region.
“This will be the last time such a massacre happens here. We have implemented security measures in other locations, and they worked. Benue will not be an exception. The President has given a clear mandate to restore peace, and we are determined to deliver.”
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also visited Benue State on Monday and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence in the region.
He met with governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s concern over the repeated attacks on Benue communities.
“The President sees this as more than an attack on a state; it’s an attack on the territorial integrity of Nigeria,” Egbetokun said.
Governor Alia expressed appreciation for the prompt deployment of additional security forces to the state but urged for more decisive action, especially in the vulnerable border communities experiencing recurrent violence.
Later in the day, the IGP and governor Alia joined Gen Musa at Yelewata for an on-the-spot assessment of the area, as federal and state authorities ramp up efforts to curb the escalating security crisis in Benue State.