CDS VISITS BENUE AFTER MASSACRE, TINUBU ORDERS RECONCILIATION, JUSTICE
By IDNN Defence & Political Affairs Desk
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has visited Yelwata, the epicentre of the gruesome Benue massacre, as outrage mounts over the deaths of more than 200 civilians in coordinated attacks by suspected armed herders.
The visit came on the heels of national condemnation, with eyewitness reports detailing how armed groups invaded communities in Guma Local Government Area, torching homes, slitting children’s throats, and killing security officers responding to the chaos.
Gen. Musa’s arrival in Benue signifies the first high-profile physical response from the federal government. He is expected to meet Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi and conduct an assessment of security deployments across the region.
TINUBU: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”
President Bola Tinubu, under intense pressure to break his silence, issued a statement late Sunday via his official X handle, condemning the bloodshed and calling for decisive action.
“Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators on all sides of the conflict,” Tinubu wrote.
He also instructed Governor Alia to “immediately lead a process of dialogue and reconciliation” to resolve the farmer-herder violence that has plagued the state for over a decade.
But the president’s statement—issued only after youth protests escalated in Makurdi—has been criticised by many Nigerians as “passive and delayed,” lacking the emotional weight or leadership presence demanded in such a national tragedy.
PROTESTS, BLOCKADES AND BLOOD
Following the massacre, youths in Yelwata blocked the Lafia-Makurdi highway in protest. On Sunday, protests spread to the state capital, Makurdi, where demonstrators clashed with police forces.
The atmosphere turned tense when law enforcement fired teargas to disperse protesters after they reportedly attempted to confront Deputy Governor Barr. John Ode.
While the Benue Police Command acknowledged the demonstrators’ right to protest, it confirmed that the situation was hijacked by hoodlums, leading to the death of a truck driver who was set ablaze.
“The right to peaceful protest is protected. But the destruction of property and loss of life cannot be tolerated,” said DSP Udeme Edet.
THE BALANCE OF PEACE
President Tinubu’s order to begin reconciliation efforts may signal a pivot toward dialogue, but locals remain skeptical. Many believe previous peace efforts were superficial, lacking enforcement or community engagement.
Meanwhile, security operatives continue patrols across Guma and Daudu, where displaced persons camps are overwhelmed and humanitarian relief efforts are ongoing.
The presidential directive, though welcomed by security agencies, may not immediately quell rising anger in Benue and across the country.
