By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has assured the people of Benue State that the military is determined to bring the attackers of the Yelwata town in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State to book.
The CDS made this assurance on Monday, during a visit to the affected area, where he expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Benue State.
The CDS’s visit and assurance come on the heels of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to implement earlier orders aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in Benue State.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, charged Governor Hyacinth Alia to convene a reconciliation meeting and foster dialogue among the alwarrung parties to end the cycle of violence and promote peaceful coexistence.
General Musa emphasised the need for collective action to address the crisis, saying, “This is our country. We can never, ever give our country up for anything. And this madness must stop and it will end.”
He urged the youth not to give up on the trust they have in the security agencies and the government, adding that the military will work with the community, traditional rulers, and clergy to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The CDS revealed that he will meet with his commanders to change their strategy and look inward to address the crisis. He also emphasised the need for Nigerians to support the military in its efforts to restore peace and tranquility in the country.
“We need everybody to be part of it. We understand that even before now, we used to have, even within us, people that compromise and give information,” he said.
General Musa also highlighted the need for regional cooperation to address the crisis, saying that some of the attackers may be coming from across the borders.
He revealed plans to visit neighbouring Nassarawa State to discuss border security and cooperation.
Enugu Reporters reports that the CDS’s visit and assurance have brought hope to the people of Benue State, who have been plagued by attacks for years.
The military’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in the region is a welcome development.
