Benue killings: CDS seeks training of youths as vigilantes to combat insecurity

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called for the training of trusted youths across Benue State to serve as vigilantes under military supervision to protect their communities from terrorist attacks.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers in Makurdi on Tuesday, the CDS said the approach, if successfully used in Borno State, would be replicated in Benue to tackle the unending wave of violence.

He warned community leaders to help identify and curb criminal elements within their domains, stressing that sabotage would not be tolerated.

“The military cannot do it alone. We need the full cooperation of the communities, their leaders, and the clergy. Some of the attacks clearly show insider knowledge, and that’s why we need a united front.

We are tired of innocent souls being killed. We’re here to ensure it stops,” Musa declared.

Benue has been a hotbed of violence, with over 160 people killed in the past two months alone, with at least 59 residents killed last Friday in an overnight raid that displaced more than 3,000 people in the Yelewata area of the state.

In solidarity, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, visited Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to commiserate with the people and donated ₦150 million to support internally displaced persons.

He also urged both states to work together to end the violence.

The growing death toll has sparked national outrage and even drawn global attention. Pope Leo XIV condemned the “terrible massacre,” while President Bola Tinubu has ordered immediate action.

He directed Governor Alia to initiate peace talks and reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders and instructed service chiefs to end the violence without delay.

General Musa, alongside the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also visited the affected areas and asked field commanders to review their strategies and clamp down on attackers.