Following the recent attacks and killings in the Yelwata town of Benue State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has met with prominent traditional rulers and elders in the state.
During the engagement, he gave a firm assurance of the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.
The meeting, which involved extensive interaction, brought together the Tor Tiv, Ochidoma, first- and second-class chiefs, and elders from various zones of the state.
The forum provided an avenue for open dialogue on the root causes of the recurring attacks by suspected herdsmen, as well as the identification of actionable solutions.
In his opening remarks, the CDS explained that the meeting was in line with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage with the Benue Council of Elders to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the crisis and propose effective measures to address them.
He emphasised the gravity of the security challenges in the state and the need for collaborative solutions.
He further noted that a recent high-level security meeting in Abuja, involving the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser, was part of efforts to address the situation comprehensively.
The Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Professor James Ortese Tyozua Ayatse, commended the CDS for his commitment and proactive engagement.
He lamented the marginalisation of traditional rulers in governance and decision-making processes, despite their strategic role in peacebuilding.
He identified the activities of suspected herdsmen and bandits—especially the grazing of cattle on farmlands—as a major driver of insecurity, forcing locals to abandon ancestral homes for IDP camps.
The meeting also heard from the advisory team established by Defence Headquarters, local chiefs, and military commanders.
They made valuable contributions and proposed practical solutions, including the adoption of cattle ranching as a sustainable alternative to the nomadic system, which they believe fuels conflict.
The chiefs called on the government to act with fairness and impartiality in addressing the crisis.
Concerns were also raised regarding the imposition of non-indigenous traditional rulers, which some participants said contributes to tensions.
They urged the government to reconsider such practices and called on the CDS to replicate the peace restoration efforts he led in Southern Kaduna.
On behalf of the traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv made a formal appeal to the Federal Government to take decisive steps to bring lasting peace in Benue State.
In his response, General Musa urged the traditional rulers to continue playing their crucial role as custodians of peace. He called for their support in identifying collaborators within their communities who may be aiding external aggressors.
The CDS pledged to relay the outcomes of the meeting to the Presidency and assured the royal fathers of sustained efforts towards finding lasting peace.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of souvenirs between the CDS and the traditional rulers, group photographs, and media interactions.
By VON
