Benue Massacre: DHQ Clarifies CDS Gen Musa ‘Insensitive’ Remark

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen Christopher Musa has refuted claims that he blamed the victims of the recent killings in Yelwata, Benue state for the carnage that claimed close to 300 lives, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarter in Abuja, the nation’s capital said the CDS remark was misrepresented, saying Gen. Musa remains dedicated to his duty of protecting Nigerians regardless of who they are and where they come from.

Recall that  a group, the National Coalition Against Mass Killings and Impunity, NCAMKI, supported by the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation, has faulted Gen. Musa,  over his claim that residents of Benue State “provided food, shelter and even women” to the suspected armed killers behind the massacre.

the group further described the CDS remarks as “reckless, insensitive, and highly provocative,” condemning the “dangerous and insulting narrative,” of Musa arguing that such is a slap on the memory of those killed, adding that the comment was trying to turn the attention from the government’s failure to protect lives and property I n the state.

But the DHQ said the group’s position is a total misrepresentation of what he said.

Part of DHQ statement: “At no point did the CDS intend to blame victims or justify the heinous acts perpetrated by criminal elements in Benue State or elsewhere.

“The CDS’s statement was aimed at drawing attention to the complex realities and challenges faced in conflict zones, particularly the tactics used by insurgent and criminal groups to infiltrate communities and exploit vulnerabilities.

“His comments were made in good faith, within the broader context of encouraging communities to be vigilant, cooperative with security agencies, and united against those who seek to destroy peace and order,

“We reject the insinuation that the CDS’s remarks were ‘reckless, insensitive, or provocative.

“Such a claim is not only untrue but also undermines the efforts of the armed forces in managing highly volatile and emotionally charged security situations across the country.

“While we acknowledge the right of citizens and groups to express concerns, we urge stakeholders to exercise restraint, verify facts, and engage constructively, rather than issuing inflammatory statements that may exacerbate tensions or diminish public trust in our institutions.

“The Defence Headquarters remains committed to working with all communities, civil society organisations, and government partners to ensure justice, peace, and accountability prevail across Nigeria,” the statement said.