Exposed! DSS Knew About Benue, Nasarawa Massacre Weeks Before — Leaked Memo Reveals

A leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that the agency had alerted military authorities about planned attacks on communities in Benue and Nasarawa states weeks before the June 13 massacre in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, which claimed over 200 lives.

Dated May 13, the confidential memo was addressed to Moses Gara, Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS)—a military-led joint task force active in the North Central zone.

According to the memo, which was obtained by TheCable, the DSS warned that suspected Fulani militias were plotting coordinated assaults on settlements in Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, and across Benue, in retaliation for the state government’s seizure of their cattle.

Communities listed as potential targets included Yelewata, Daudu, Akon, Chiata, Kaambe, Vandikya, Apelle, and parts of Makurdi, Agatu, and Gwer East/West. Notably, Yelewata—where over 100 people were reportedly killed—was identified in the memo as facing imminent danger.

“Intelligence reports indicate that the militias have been holding multiple planning meetings in Akpanaja, Rukuhi, and Andori settlements in Doma LGA and have stationed fighters in surrounding forests to launch a synchronized attack,” the memo warned.

The DSS also noted that the armed groups were allegedly hiding in Amako and Igbabo forests—between Mkoma and Doka villages—as well as in Ikom forest, near the Yelwata-Udei-Ukohol corridor and the Kadarko railway axis.

Reacting to the attack, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa confirmed that OPWS troops had been deployed to the region on the day of the massacre, but were misled by false intelligence directing them to another village.

“On the day of the incident, our troops were present in the area,” Musa said. “However, they were diverted to a different village under the pretense of an attack. That misdirection gave the attackers a window to strike Yelewata.”

In the same month the DSS issued its alert, Commander Moses Gara held a strategic meeting in Makurdi with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and other stakeholders to address the escalating insecurity in the region.

Major Lawal Osabo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, said the May 28 meeting tackled pressing issues such as farmer-herder conflicts, retaliatory attacks, cattle rustling, and kidnappings.

He added that concerns raised at the session would be presented to the state government and other relevant security agencies for action.