The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent allegations suggesting internal sabotage within the Nigerian military in connection to the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, describing such claims as false and unsupported by credible evidence.
According to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Nigerian Armed Forces had no role in the tragic incident. He reaffirmed the military’s dedication to protecting civilians, maintaining law and order, and supporting peacebuilding efforts in conflict-prone areas.
The DHQ clarified that no independent investigation, including those by human rights organizations, has linked the Nigerian military to the killings. Instead, the violence in Yelwata aligns with a broader pattern of intercommunal conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, often involving long-standing disputes between farmers and herders over land, grazing routes, and natural resources.
The Defence Headquarters warned that attributing the massacre to alleged internal sabotage within the military misrepresents the real issues, and risks undermining ongoing peace efforts. The DHQ emphasized that addressing the root causes of violence, such as ethnic tensions and competition for resources, remains crucial to achieving long-term stability.
General Musa has called for a collaborative approach, encouraging communities to work closely with security agencies. He urged local leaders and residents not to shield criminals and assured the public that the military and other law enforcement agencies are committed to protecting lives and property across the country.
