DHQ Clarifies: Defence Chief Did Not Blame Benue Communities for Deadly Attack
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims that Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, blamed communities in Benue State for a recent deadly attack, stating his remarks were taken out of context.
On June 14, armed men stormed Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing over 200 residents. Musa, during a press briefing, said troops received false information from locals and alleged that some residents harboured the attackers, even supplying them with food and “women.”
These comments drew public outrage, with critics accusing the CDS of victim-blaming.
However, Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, issued a statement defending Musa’s comments, insisting they were misrepresented.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a news article published in a national daily, which misrepresents recent remarks made by the CDS, Gen. Musa, regarding the tragic Yelwata incident,” Gusau said.
“We categorically state that the interpretation and portrayal of the CDS’s comments by the National Coalition Against Mass Killings and Impunity, as reported, are both misleading and taken out of context.
“At no point did the CDS intend to blame victims or justify the heinous acts perpetrated by criminal elements in Benue State or elsewhere.
“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.”
Gusau described it as “regrettable” that advocacy groups would distort such sensitive remarks, urging them to verify facts before issuing statements that may escalate tensions.
