Benue Attack: Chief of Defence Staff Arrives Scene

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has arrived Yelwata town in Guma Local Government Area of Benue, where scores were killed in a coordinated attack on Friday night.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that his visit followed the prolonged attacks on communities in the state by armed herders/bandits.

Musa is expected to meet with Gov. Hyacinth Alia in Government House before leaving.

NAN also reports that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, is also expected in Benue for a working visit.

Tegicmedia had reported how no fewer than 100 people were killed in the attacks.

Subsequently, the youth of Yelwata blocked the Lafia-Makurdi highway, protesting the killings.

The protest continued Sunday morning in the capital city of Makurdi with police firing teargas to disperse the protesters.

In a statement via his official X handle on Sunday night, President Bola Tinubu tasked the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, with convening reconciliation meetings and initiating dialogue among stakeholders to end the violence and foster peaceful coexistence between farmers, herders, and local communities.

The statement reads: “I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State.

“Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them.

“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.

“Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”