Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has concluded a two-day operational assessment visit to Benue State following recent attacks in Yelwata community.
He was received by the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General MK Gara, alongside other top security officers in the North-Central region.
During the visit, General Musa toured affected areas and held an interactive session with community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious heads, alongside Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Describing the killings as “senseless” and “uncalled for,” the Defence Chief urged the community to cooperate with security agencies to root out criminal elements. “We must all agree this must stop,” Musa said. “The people must decide to end the madness.”
He added, “This country belongs to all of us, and together we must defend it against those who want to destroy our unity and peace.”
IGP Egbetokun reassured the community of a thorough pursuit of the perpetrators, vowing that security agencies would not rest until justice is served. “We are determined to hunt down these criminals. The security forces will neither sleep nor retreat until peace is fully restored,” he said.
Governor Alia condemned the bloodshed and praised the timely intervention of security forces, expressing hope for lasting peace.
On day two, the CDS held a town hall meeting with stakeholders across Benue’s three zones and directed commanders to deepen community collaboration and restore security.
