Defence Chief General Christopher Musa visited Yelwata, Guma LGA, in Benue State on Monday, just days after a suspected herdsmen attack late Friday claimed numerous lives . The assault, one in a troubling wave of violence plaguing the state, struck during the night, targeting both residents and internally displaced persons .
On-site, General Musa reviewed the area of devastation and held discussions with deployed military personnel . His tour is scheduled to continue with a meeting alongside Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi . Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun is also expected to visit the state soon to coordinate ongoing security operations .
In response to intensifying violence—reports indicate over 100 fatalities in recent attacks, including the Yelwata tragedy—the federal government has dispatched elite units and launched air surveillance over Makurdi and surrounding LGAs . President Tinubu has officially declared “Enough is enough,” directing security chiefs to deploy decisive measures and ordered a comprehensive joint security effort with intelligence, police, and military forces to restore peace .
Local and national advocacy groups, including Benue youths and the Benue Good Governance Network, have welcomed the defence chief’s appearance but warn it must translate into sustained protection, improved intelligence operations, and community-level peacebuilding . For many residents, his visit is seen as a literal and symbolic move to show the state is not forgotten.
Governor Alia has pledged to facilitate intelligence-sharing dialogues and establish a robust local security structure, supported by fresh tactical deployments .
