The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent claims suggesting that internal sabotage within the Nigerian military contributed to the massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, described the allegations as baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military emphasized that it was not responsible for the killings and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and upholding the rule of law.
The statement said”The Nigerian military has consistently denied any involvement in the Yelwata incident.
“There is no credible evidence to substantiate the claims of internal sabotage. Investigations by independent bodies, including human rights organizations, have found no links between the military and the perpetrators.”
The DHQ explained that the violence in Yelwata is part of a broader pattern of intercommunal clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly between farmers and herders. It noted that these longstanding conflicts are driven by disputes over land, grazing rights, and ethnic tensions.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has urged communities to cooperate with security agencies and not shield criminal elements. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach involving both local communities and security forces to address the root causes of the violence.
“The military and other security agencies are present to protect lives and properties of law-abiding citizens.
“What is needed is stronger collaboration, open dialogue, and sustained peacebuilding efforts.”the statement added.
The DHQ therefore called on all stakeholders to avoid spreading misleading narratives that could further inflame tensions or distract from the critical work of peace and reconciliation in the affected areas.
