By Benue Massacre
CDS suspects insider sabotage
Summary
- Defence Chief General Christopher Musa suspects insider collaboration in Yelewata killings
- President Tinubu announces visit to Benue after criticism over delayed response
- International outcry grows as death toll surpasses 200 in ongoing farmer-herder violence
Abuja, Nigeria — The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has raised alarms over possible insider collaboration within the Nigerian military, following the massacre of over 200 people in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, on June 13, 2025.
During a condolence visit to the community on June 16, General Musa suggested that the attackers, believed to be armed herdsmen, received crucial intelligence from sources within the military or local communities, pointing to the precise and targeted nature of the destruction.
General Musa described the situation as a national tragedy and called for a strategic overhaul of the military’s operational approach in the region. He pledged to strengthen partnerships with state authorities and community stakeholders to address the deepening crisis. He also revealed plans to visit neighbouring Nasarawa State, noting suspicions of cross-border involvement in the attacks.
The massacre has triggered widespread condemnation and mounting pressure on the federal government, prompting President Bola Tinubu to announce a visit to Benue on June 18.
The announcement came amid public criticism of the President’s initial silence, especially in contrast to his prompt expressions of sympathy for foreign tragedies. Critics, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and various social media voices, highlighted what they called a troubling lack of urgency.
In response, Tinubu ordered security chiefs to hunt down and prosecute the perpetrators and directed Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead local reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts.
The violence, rooted in long-standing farmer-herder conflicts, continues to devastate communities and has drawn international concern, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for accountability and justice.
Musa’s revelation of possible internal sabotage has sparked concern over the integrity of military operations in conflict zones.
Local leaders such as Guma LGA Chairman Maurice Orwough welcomed the high-level visits, including that of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as signs of renewed federal engagement.
However, civil society groups like RACE Africa expressed frustration over continued bloodshed, calling for a state of emergency and immediate reforms to restore security in the region.
