The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a statement clarifying that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, did not blame the victims of the recent killings in Benue State, as some news reports have suggested.
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, via a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, explained that Gen. Musa’s comments were misinterpreted.
Gusau said that instead of blaming the victims, the defence chief aimed to shed light on the complex nature of conflict areas and the importance of communities working closely with security forces.
The clarification comes after some media outlets reported that Gen. Musa blamed the victims for the violence.
Gusau stressed that the Gen. Musa intended to encourage cooperation between communities and security agencies to help prevent future attacks and maintain peace.
“The Defence Headquarters has noticed a news article that misrepresents General Musa’s comments about the tragic Yelwata incident. We want to make it clear that these interpretations are incorrect and taken out of context,” Gusau stated.
He emphasised that the chief of defence staff’s intention was never to blame the victims or justify the brutal acts committed by criminals in Benue or elsewhere.
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The remarks, he added, were meant to highlight the challenges in conflict zones, especially how criminal groups can exploit community vulnerabilities.
Gusau expressed disappointment that some advocacy groups twisted the message and attempted to politicise such a serious issue as national security.
He pointed out that Gen. Musa is committed to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of their background.
He said that Gen. Musa has been dedicated to ensuring safety, promoting cooperation between the military and the public, and maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity in military operations.
“We reject any claims that the CDS’s remarks were ‘reckless’ or ‘insensitive.’ Such statements are not true and undermine the hard work of our armed forces in addressing sensitive security issues across the country,” Gusau added.
He encouraged citizens and organizations to express their concerns responsibly, verify facts, and engage in constructive dialogue rather than making inflammatory comments that could fuel tensions or undermine public trust in our institutions.
He assured that The Defence Headquarters is committed to working together with communities, civil society groups, and government partners to promote justice, peace, and accountability throughout Nigeria.
