By Ameh Gabriel
Makurdi, Benue State – June 26, 2025
In a renewed effort to curb rising insecurity in Benue State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Wednesday met with key traditional rulers and elders to chart a path toward lasting peace in the wake of deadly attacks in Yelwata and surrounding communities.
In a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau Director, Defense Information on the 26th June 2025 states that the high-level engagement brought together the Tor Tiv, Ochi’Idoma, and other first- and second-class chiefs, as well as community elders from across the state. The interactive forum focused on uncovering the root causes of the violence particularly the persistent herdsmen-farmer clashes and identifying actionable solutions to restore security and stability.
Presidential Mandate to Engage Stakeholders
Speaking during the meeting, General Musa said his visit was in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who mandated top security officials to directly engage with local leaders to understand the dynamics of the crisis and recommend comprehensive responses.
“We are here on the orders of the President to listen, assess the situation, and take decisive steps,” General Musa stated. “We recognize the gravity of what Benue is going through, and we are determined to work with you to bring peace to this land.”
He added that a recent security strategy meeting held in Abuja with the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser underscored the urgency of addressing the situation in Benue State and other flashpoints across the country.
Traditional Leaders Raise Concerns, Offer Solutions
In his remarks, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, applauded the Defence Chief for his proactive engagement. He lamented the consistent sidelining of traditional institutions in security and governance matters, despite their central role in grassroots peacebuilding.
“We cannot achieve peace when traditional rulers are ignored in the decision-making process,” the Tor Tiv said. He highlighted the destruction of farmlands by grazing cattle and the forced displacement of locals as key triggers of violence in the region.
Other participants including members of an advisory committee set up by the Defense Headquarters, local chiefs, and senior military officials proposed the adoption of cattle ranching as a long-term solution to the nomadic pastoral system, which they believe has contributed to persistent communal clashes.
There were also calls for the federal government to review the imposition of non-indigenous traditional rulers, a practice many blamed for heightening tensions in local communities.
CDS Pledges Sustained Military Support
In response, General Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting all Nigerians and restoring peace to every troubled region.
“We count on your support to identify those within your communities who may be aiding external aggressors,” the CDS said. “I will personally report the outcomes of this meeting to the Presidency and ensure your voices are heard.”
He assured the traditional leaders of continuous military operations and community-focused interventions to prevent further violence.
Meeting Ends on a Symbolic Note
The meeting concluded with the exchange of souvenirs, group photographs, and media interactions, marking a symbolic gesture of unity and mutual commitment to peace.
The traditional rulers, through the Tor Tiv, made a formal appeal to the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward sustainable peace in Benue State.
