Amid growing unrest in Benue State, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has ordered military commanders to swiftly track down and neutralize those responsible for the recent wave of deadly attacks.
During a meeting with traditional rulers in Makurdi on Tuesday, General Musa stressed the need for proactive action, stating, “We must find out where they are and go after them—that is the clear directive I have given my commanders.”
He revealed that intelligence reports have pointed to specific locations where the attackers are believed to be regrouping. “We’ve identified areas where they may be hiding or gathering. We will not sit back and wait for them to strike again,” he said.
Benue State has witnessed a surge in violent attacks in recent weeks, leading to the deaths of dozens, displacement of residents, and serious injuries to many others. The incidents have triggered widespread outrage and protests across the country.
General Musa, while calling for calm, assured affected communities that the Armed Forces are fully committed to restoring peace and bringing justice.
“We stand with you,” he told community leaders. “These killings affect me personally. I do not want to be the Chief of Defence when lives are being lost under our watch. We’ve restored peace in other countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone—there’s no reason we can’t achieve the same here.”
He reiterated the military’s commitment to accountability, warning that any personnel found complicit in the crisis would face prosecution. “We need your cooperation to succeed. Peace must be a joint mission.”
In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu is expected to visit Benue on Wednesday. Ahead of his visit, the President dispatched top government and security officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, intelligence agency heads, and leaders of the National Assembly’s Defence Committees.
According to a statement from presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will meet with stakeholders in a town hall gathering as part of efforts to resolve the conflict.
The President also extended his condolences to the families of victims and pledged federal support to end the violence and ensure lasting peace in the state.
