CDS Issues Stern Warning: Every Killer In Benue Will Face Justice

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said he is hopeful that the Federal Government is firmly committed to ensuring that all crimes are met with justice.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Thursday convened a high-level peace advocacy meeting in Makurdi with traditional leaders, including the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, John Odogbo, in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for sustainable peace in Benue State.

The meeting followed the President’s recent visit to the Yelwata community in Guma LGA, where over 100 people were killed. Tinubu had mandated the creation of a committee to work toward restoring peace in the region.

General Musa confirmed the arrest of suspects involved in the Yelwata attacks and vowed that prosecution would follow without exception. “We are committed to ending the era where crimes go unpunished. There will be no sacred persons,” he said.

Speaking to the press after the closed-door session at the Government House, the CDS emphasized the federal government’s sincerity and the military’s commitment to resolving Benue’s security crisis and ensuring displaced persons return home.

He stressed that genuine dialogue and collaboration with communities are essential. “When we sit down and talk sincerely about our challenges, we will find lasting solutions,” he noted.

The Tor Tiv acknowledged improvements since the last engagement and pledged support to rein in criminal behavior, including cattle rustling. “Our people have roles in the conflict. We are taking responsibility,” he stated.

The Och’Idoma urged security forces to distinguish between peaceful Fulani residents and armed herders responsible for terrorizing rural areas. “We are not asking all Fulani to leave—only those carrying arms and causing chaos,” he clarified.

General Musa warned that internal and external actors fueling the conflict for political or economic gain would be dealt with decisively. “Anyone carrying arms illegally will be arrested—or neutralized if they threaten security forces,” he asserted.

He also disclosed that Yelwata has been secured with additional troops deployed, and arrangements are underway to return IDPs to their homes. The military is also working with relevant agencies to address tensions involving Cameroonian refugees.

“Our success will be measured by when displaced people return to their homes. That is our goal,” Musa concluded.