Matawalle vows tougher military response after Benue massacre

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has vowed to intensify military operations in the country’s North Central region following a deadly attack that claimed over 150 lives in Benue State.

Matawalle, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace using both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

The former governor of Zamfara state, who was on a security assessment visit to Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a high-level delegation that included service chiefs and top intelligence officials.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the minister said strategic military assets were being deployed to reinforce security not only in Benue but across the country.

“The Armed Forces remain fully committed to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria,” the statement read.

“Operations will persist until full normalcy is restored.”

The high-powered visit comes in the wake of a brutal assault on innocent civilians by suspected armed elements, described by the presidency as “heinous and cowardly.”

During the visit, President Tinubu extended condolences to bereaved families and condemned the attack in strong terms, pledging justice for the victims.

“Such acts of terror will not go unpunished under my watch,” Tinubu declared.

The President ordered all security and intelligence agencies to launch coordinated operations to apprehend and neutralise those responsible for the killings.

Government officials emphasised that the visit was not only to commiserate with victims but also to conduct an on-the-ground security appraisal and reaffirm federal support for Benue’s traumatised communities.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families. The Federal Government stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Benue State in this moment of grief,” Matawalle said.