The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly rejected allegations of internal sabotage within the Nigerian military that purportedly contributed to the recent tragedy in Yelwata, Benue State.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Director of Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau described these claims as “baseless and lacking credible evidence.” He reaffirmed the military’s dedication to civilian protection and the rule of law.
“There is no credible evidence to support the notion of internal sabotage within the military concerning the Yelwata incident,” he stated, noting that investigations by independent entities, including human rights organisations, have found no connections between the military and the assailants involved in the massacre.
The DHQ attributed the violence to intercommunal conflicts stemming from long-standing disputes over land and grazing rights, ethnic tensions, and resource competition.
Gusau emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes and promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace initiatives. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa advocated for a comprehensive approach, calling for collaboration between communities and security agencies to tackle the issue.
“The military and other security agencies are committed to safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens,” Gusau concluded, reaffirming the DHQ’s commitment to ensuring civilian safety.
