By Ameh Gabriel
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has concluded a two-day operational assessment visit to Benue State as part of efforts to evaluate the security situation and foster collaboration towards ending violence in the region.
This was contained in a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau Director, Defense Information on the
17th June 2025
According to the statement, upon arrival, General Musa was received by the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General MK Gara, alongside other senior operational commanders in the North Central zone. He was taken to Yelwata, a community recently devastated by a violent attack, where he joined the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, in an interactive engagement with community members, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
Describing the killings as “senseless and unprovoked,” General Musa expressed deep sympathy to the affected community. He condemned the violence in strong terms, urging residents to work closely with the military and other security agencies to flush out criminal elements. “We must all agree this must stop,” he said, calling on the people to take a collective stand against the acts of terror disrupting their lives.
Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Egbetokun, assured the community of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tracking down and prosecuting those responsible for the attacks. He vowed that security agencies would not rest until peace is fully restored in Benue State.
In his remarks, Governor Alia lamented the needless bloodshed and reiterated his confidence in the renewed security intervention, describing the presence of top security officials as a sign of hope and reassurance for the people of the state.
On the second day of his visit, the CDS convened a town hall meeting with stakeholders from across Benue’s three geopolitical zones, including first-class traditional rulers, youth leaders, and other key personalities. He urged all to unite behind the Armed Forces to rebuild trust and restore lasting peace across the state.
General Musa also received operational briefings from field commanders at the Headquarters of the 401 Special Forces Brigade. He directed them to intensify their efforts in protecting lives and property, and to work collaboratively with local communities to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
