Mohamed Garba
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, blamed victims of the recent killings in Benue State, calling the media portrayal of his comments a “misrepresentation.”
In a statement released Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ said the comments made by the CDS were aimed at promoting vigilance and cooperation between communities and security agencies, not shifting blame onto victims.
“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 stated.
The clarification follows backlash from groups such as the National Coalition Against Mass Killings and Impunity, which accused the CDS of making “reckless and insensitive” remarks. Gusau, however, said the comments were taken out of context and twisted for political motives.
“At no point did the CDS intend to blame victims or justify the heinous acts perpetrated by criminal elements in Benue State or elsewhere,” he said.
Gusau explained that Gen. Musa’s remarks were focused on the “complex realities and challenges” faced in conflict zones, including how insurgent and criminal groups exploit local vulnerabilities to infiltrate communities. He added that the CDS’s appeal was for communities to stay alert and work closely with security forces to prevent further attacks.
“It is regrettable that advocacy groups would twist the narrative and attempt to politicize an issue as sensitive as national security,” Gusau said, describing the accusations as an attempt to undermine public trust in the military.
He emphasized Gen. Musa’s track record of promoting civil-military cooperation and protecting all Nigerians without bias. “We reject the insinuation that the CDS’s remarks were reckless, insensitive, or provocative. Such a claim is not only untrue but also undermines the efforts of the armed forces in managing highly volatile and emotionally charged security situations across the country,” he said.
The DHQ called on civil society groups and the public to verify facts before issuing inflammatory statements, warning that misinformation could worsen tensions in already fragile communities.
“The Defence Headquarters remains committed to working with all communities, civil society organisations, and government partners to ensure justice, peace, and accountability prevail across Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
