The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called for the urgent arrest of all individuals found with illegal arms in Benue State.
This order was made following a closed-door meeting held on Thursday with top traditional leaders in the state, including the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, John Odogbo. Other traditional rulers were also present during the meeting aimed at addressing the growing security threats in Benue.
General Musa noted that the federal government and the military remain serious about bringing lasting peace to the state. He reminded the royal fathers that President Bola Tinubu had also visited recently to listen to the people and see how best the security issues could be resolved.
“We have a challenge in Benue State, and I believe working together, we will find a solution. When we sit down and talk sincerely, bringing out all that is affecting us, we will be able to find the solution,” he said.
The Defence Chief made it clear that anyone who holds illegal weapons and dares to attack security forces will face serious consequences. According to him, such persons would be taken out if they pose a danger to law enforcement personnel. He urged the traditional rulers to continue working with the military as trusted partners, calling them “sons” of the land working to restore peace in a troubled region.
He noted the need for full cooperation between communities and security teams, warning that the army will no longer tolerate any form of violence or criminal actions. He added that military officers must stay committed to their duty and must not relax in their mission to protect lives and communities.
Addressing the Yelewata attack, Gen. Musa said that arrests had already been made and that those suspects would now face legal action. “We are committed to ending the era where crimes go unpunished. There will be no sacred persons. Anyone involved in violence must face justice,” he stated.
On the matter of displaced residents, the Defence Chief noted that additional troops have now been deployed in Yelewata to prepare for the return of affected families. He stressed that their main goal is to see internally displaced persons return to their homes and live peacefully again.
He assured that the meeting’s outcome would be shared with President Tinubu to inform the next steps.
During the discussions, the Tor Tiv acknowledged the recent security improvements in the area and said efforts were being made to control violent behavior among the people. He urged the military to arrest criminals without delay.
The Och’Idoma, meanwhile, called for a careful separation between peaceful Fulani communities and those involved in attacks. “We are not saying all Fulani should leave. The known, peaceful ones have been with us for years. We are asking only those carrying arms and causing terror, killing, raping, and destroying our farms to leave. Benue people must be able to return to their farms and feed the nation as the Food Basket of the Nation,” he said.
