CDS Christopher Musa.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, met with Benue traditional rulers in Makurdi as part of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the state.
The meeting, which was attended by the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, John Odogbo, among others, aimed to find a solution to the security challenges confronting the state.
Musa emphasized the Federal Government and military leadership’s sincerity in resolving the security issues, recalling previous consultations, including President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit.
“We have a challenge in Benue, and I believe, working together, we will find a solution,” he said.
“When we sit down and talk sincerely, bringing out all that is affecting us, we’ll be able to find the solution.”
The CDS appreciated the traditional rulers for their candid contributions and called for continued collaboration between the communities and security agencies.
He urged the royal fathers to regard the military as partners and sons working towards peace in a region with shared history and struggles.
Musa stated that certain individuals, both internal and external, were fueling the crisis for political or economic gains.
He emphasized that the military would not condone illegal arms possession or criminal activities, warning that “anybody bearing arms illegally will be arrested. If he threatens security forces, he will be neutralised.”
On the June 13 attacks in Yelwata, Musa confirmed the arrest of suspects and assured that prosecution would follow.
“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 said.
The Tor Tiv and the Och’Idoma both expressed optimism that the renewed dialogue would help to permanently address the state’s security woes.
The Och’Idoma stressed the need to differentiate between peaceful Fulani residents and armed herders responsible for violence, while the Tor Tiv urged the security forces to apprehend and prosecute any criminal elements within his domain.
