‘We need to change our strategy’ — defence chief speaks on Benue killings

Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), says the military will change its strategy in the war against banditry in many parts of the country.

The defence chief spoke on Monday in Yelwata, a town in Guma LGA of Benue, following attacks by suspected criminal herders on the community and nearby Daudu on June 14, which left over 100 people dead.

Musa said the Nigerian armed forces would leave no stone unturned to ensure that such devastating attacks are not repeated in the country.

He also assured that wherever the attackers are, security forces would neutralise them, adding that the Yelwata attack would be their last act.

The CDS did not rule out compromise within the security, assuring that the military authorities would look inward and address the challenge.

“I’m going to see my commanders, and we have to change our strategy. We want to look inward and see how we can address this,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“We used to have even within us people that compromise and give information. Going around the scene, the way the killing and burnings were made shows that they had insiders.

“I discussed with community leaders, traditional rulers and the clergy on the need for us to work in unity.

“There have been some issues of trust, and we are going to address it.”

Musa said more deployments would be made, adding that he would embark on a similar visit to Nasarawa on Tuesday.

The CDS condoled with the Benue government, Hyacinth Alia, the governor of the state, and all victims of banditry attacks, especially the people of Yelwata town, over their losses.

He advised them to remain firm, noting that hope has already arrived.

While in Yelwata, the CDS held a meeting with community leaders and stakeholders. He also inspected the scene of the crime and made a cash donation to the internally displaced persons (IDPs).