Chief of Defence Staff Visits Scene of Benue Attacks as Tensions Rise

Gen. Christopher Musa

Following the deadly attacks that claimed the lives of over 100 people in Benue State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has arrived in the state to assess the situation and support efforts to restore peace.

The visit comes amid ongoing violence in communities reportedly targeted by armed herders and bandits, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Gen. Musa is scheduled to meet with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House before departing.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, is also expected in the state on a working visit as the federal government intensifies its response to the crisis.

Outrage and Protests Following Attacks

The widespread outrage over the killings led angry youths in Yelwata to block the Lafia-Makurdi highway in protest. Demonstrations later spread to Makurdi, the state capital, where police fired teargas to disperse crowds on Sunday morning.

Tinubu Demands Decisive Action, Reconciliation

Reacting to the crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement posted to his official X handle on Sunday night, condemned the violence and called for urgent action from both security agencies and state leaders.

“Enough is enough!” the President declared. “I have directed security agencies to act decisively—arrest perpetrators on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.”

Tinubu also urged Governor Alia to lead reconciliation efforts and initiate a dialogue process involving all stakeholders—farmers, herders, traditional rulers, and local communities.

“Political and community leaders in Benue must act with restraint. Inflammatory rhetoric will only worsen the crisis,” the President warned.

He emphasized that lasting peace in Benue is achievable if leaders work together and address grievances with fairness, justice, and openness.

Daily Trust

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