ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured the people of Benue State of the military’s commitment to ending the recent surge in violent attacks that have left scores dead and many others displaced.
During a meeting with traditional rulers in Makurdi on Tuesday, General Musa emphasized that the Armed Forces stand in solidarity with the state’s residents and are ready to act decisively.
“The Armed Forces are with you. We are pained about what’s happening. For me, it’s a personal thing. I don’t want to be the Chief of Defence of our Armed Forces when people are being killed. No,” the CDS said.
He appealed for unity and collaboration among the people to enable the military to effectively tackle the violence.
Drawing on his experience from his home community, General Musa cited the successful resolution of crises in Zango Kataf, Kaduna State, as a model that could be replicated in Benue.
“I’m sure you’re all aware I’m from Zango Kataf, and I know when you hear Zango Kataf, you know that we are also having similar issues on the ground. But if you notice, for the past two years, the issues of Zango Kataf have gone, and what have we done?
“One, we made them understand that, look, we need to talk to ourselves because a house that is divided cannot stand. It is only when we are together that we can be able to face our common enemy, and that’s very critical.
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“We have gone to Liberia, we’re going to Sierra Leone, we’ve gone to other countries, and have brought peace. Why not in our own country”, he asked.
General Musa assured the gathering that no member of the Armed Forces would work against the people.
“If we notice anybody, we’re ready to prosecute that person. But we are going to count on your support so that we can be able to achieve peace and work together. We must achieve peace together”, he added.
Channels TV reports that in response to the spate of killings that have rocked the food-producing state over recent weeks, the CDS directed his commanders to identify and pursue the perpetrators wherever they may be hiding.
“We must find out where they are. We must go after them. And that’s the directive I’m giving my commanders,” he stated.
“We have had some areas where we think they are holing up, where they are gathering. We’re going to go after them so that we can dislodge them. We shouldn’t wait until they come to attack people.”
The renewed wave of violence in Benue has sparked nationwide outrage and triggered protests across various quarters. As part of efforts to restore peace, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue State on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, high-level officials have already been dispatched to the state in preparation for the president’s visit.
“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State,” the statement read.
During the visit, President Tinubu is expected to hold a town hall meeting with key stakeholders and offer condolences to families affected by the attacks.
He has also expressed his sympathy to the people of Benue over the loss of lives and pledged the federal government’s support in securing the state.