Makurdi, Nigeria – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has endorsed the training of credible youths in Benue State as community vigilantes under military supervision to safeguard local communities against terrorist and herdsmen attacks.
General Musa made this known on Tuesday during a meeting with traditional rulers in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising wave of violence that has plagued the state.
The Defence Chief called on traditional leaders to play a proactive role by monitoring criminal elements within their communities, warning that acts of sabotage would not be tolerated.
“We’re tired of innocent souls being killed. We’re here to ensure that we address this. I’ll be going to see my commanders — we have to change our strategy,” Musa said.
He emphasized that a successful security operation would require the collaboration of the military, state authorities, traditional institutions, and the local population, stating that insider information had aided attackers in previous incidents.
“Even before now, we used to have people within who compromise and give information. Some of the burnings were targeted, meaning there were insiders,” he added.
