By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly debunked recent allegations suggesting that internal sabotage within the Nigerian military played a role in the tragic Yelwata massacre in Benue State. In an official statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military described the claims as unfounded and unsupported by any credible evidence.
The military high command emphasized that the Nigerian Armed Forces were not involved in the killings and reaffirmed their commitment to the protection of civilians and adherence to the rule of law. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, had earlier stated publicly that the military bore no responsibility for the incident and condemned the violence in strong terms.
According to the statement, investigations conducted by independent entities, including reputable human rights organizations, have found no link between the Nigerian military and those responsible for the massacre. Instead, the DHQ noted that the violence in Yelwata falls within a larger context of intercommunal clashes, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. These conflicts are driven by deep-rooted disputes between farmers and herders, ethnic divisions, and competition over scarce resources.
The Defence Headquarters warned that accusations of internal sabotage within the military not only misrepresent the facts but also divert attention from the critical need to address the underlying causes of recurring violence in the region. “Attributing the Yelwata massacre to internal sabotage within the Nigerian military is misleading and detracts from the real issues at play,” the statement noted.
General Musa has called for a more holistic and collaborative approach to resolving the crisis. He urged affected communities to cooperate with security agencies, avoid shielding criminal elements, and prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and peacebuilding efforts.
He reassured the residents that the military remains firmly committed to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property. “The military and other security agencies are here to protect law-abiding citizens,” he said, stressing that enduring peace can only be achieved through mutual trust, accountability, and collective resolve.
The Defence Headquarters called on the public and media to avoid disseminating misinformation that could undermine national security or sow distrust in state institutions, especially at a time when national unity and peace are paramount.
