Saboteurs in Military Behind Benue Massacre-Gen. Musa

YELWATA, BENUE STATE – June 17, 2025 — The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has made a damning revelation, alleging that saboteurs within the Nigerian military may have played a role in the recent massacre at Yelwata, Benue State, where over 200 people were killed.

General Musa, who visited the devastated community on Monday, linked the scale and precision of the attack to insider collaboration. “If you see the pattern of killings and slaughtering, it means there is an insider. The killings and burnings were targeted,” he said. “This is one killing too many. From here, I am going to see my commanders. We need to change our strategy, look inward, and see how we can address this.”

The Defence Chief confirmed that investigations had revealed certain military personnel were leaking intelligence to armed bandits. “We can’t do it alone without the support of the state. We need everybody to be part of it,” he said, adding that meetings have been held with traditional and community leaders to rebuild trust and foster collaboration.

His comments echo an earlier warning by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who, in May, said during a television interview: “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities.” Zulum had urged for ruthless action against internal saboteurs and the removal of what he termed “contractocracy” from security procurement.

Tinubu Cancels Kaduna Trip, Heads to Makurdi
In a significant move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has adjusted his official itinerary to prioritise a visit to Benue State in response to the rising wave of violence and killings in rural communities. Originally scheduled to travel to Kaduna, the President will now visit Makurdi on Tuesday to engage stakeholders and assess the humanitarian crisis firsthand.

According to a statement from the Presidency, the visit demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring justice for the victims of recent violence. The President is expected to meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, civil society organisations, community heads, and youth groups, in a town hall session aimed at finding lasting solutions.

Ahead of the President’s arrival, a high-level delegation led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has arrived in Benue. The team includes the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; senior intelligence officials; and lawmakers heading the Senate and House Committees on Defence.

Thousands of residents have been displaced across several local government areas in Benue following weeks of coordinated attacks. President Tinubu’s visit is expected to include an inspection of affected areas and direct engagement with victims and displaced persons.

Tinubu Calls for State Police Amid Constitutional Reform Talks
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has reiterated his call for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s national security framework, including the creation of state police to address the country’s deepening insecurity.

Speaking at a legislative dialogue on constitutional reform hosted by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the President emphasised that Nigeria’s current security structure is inadequate. He called on lawmakers to fast-track constitutional amendments that would allow for decentralised policing and stronger local response mechanisms.

“The time has come for bold, urgent reforms. We must put in place a security architecture that truly reflects the realities of our federation,” Tinubu declared.

The town hall in Makurdi and the President’s wider security reform agenda are expected to dominate national discourse in the coming days, as Nigerians await decisive action on growing insecurity across the country.