In response to persistent attacks, the military has proposed Benue vigilante training to protect communities from armed herdsmen.
General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, suggested the recruitment and supervision of local youth as community defenders.
He noted that Benue vigilante training could mirror successful counter-terrorism strategies previously applied in conflict-ridden Borno State regions.
The recommendation followed a weekend massacre in Yelewata community, where terrorists killed over 200 villagers and destroyed properties.
General Musa’s comments came amid public outcry over government inaction and the military’s struggle to secure rural Benue communities.
The latest attack intensified scrutiny on the army’s strategy, particularly regarding local intelligence and proactive defense in vulnerable regions.
General Musa emphasized that Benue vigilante training must involve credible youth under strict military oversight to avoid civilian misuse.
According to him, empowering communities with structured defense would enhance response time and deter repeated militia invasions across Benue villages.
The Chief of Defence Staff believes a strong local presence will complement official forces and boost community confidence in security.
Two weeks earlier, Army Chief Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede temporarily relocated to Makurdi to address the surge in killings.
Despite that move, militia groups continue to overrun villages, exposing the fragility of current security efforts across the state.
During the recent Yelewata attack, local vigilantes and security operatives were overpowered and brutally killed by heavily armed attackers.
General Musa’s proposal raises national debate on balancing citizen involvement with professional military operations in terrorism-prone rural areas.
While some support the plan, others question if vigilantes can truly withstand repeated assaults without better weapons and coordination.
As Benue vigilante training discussions continue, residents hope the government’s plan offers more than rhetoric and symbolic military deployments.
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