While Terrorists Killed Dozens In Benue State CDS Hosts Lavish Dinner In Abuja
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa on Thursday hosted a lavish party for members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff while terrorists murdered dozens of residents in cold blood in Benue State.
SaharaReporters had reported how gunmen on Thursday evening unleashed terror on Ayati village in Ukum Local Government Area Local Government of Benue state.
“Some local bandits were said to have received money from some herders to graze their animals in two council wards of Ukum.
“However, while they were grazing, they came in conflict with farmers who complained to government with security agencies chasing them away.
“The herdsmen became angry as they claimed to have given money for the land so they went back to the bandits. They however launched an attack on village and massacred over 60 people,” a source who lost his relatives narrated to SaharaReporters.
Attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue have led to the killing of at least 5000 persons.
However, while the residents of Ukum were mourning the loss of their love ones, the head of the Nigerian military, General Musa was hosting a lavish dinner for colleagues from other countries.
In attendance was also the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
According to a statement by Tukur Gusau, acting Director Defence Information, the dinner was intended to “unwind and relax”.
The statement read, “The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa on 8 August 2024 hosted ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDSs) at Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Abuja. The ECOWAS CDSs are in Abuja for the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee of CDSs. In his remarks at the event, the host CDS and also the Chairman of ECOWAS Committee of CDSs welcomed the CDSs to the dinner, stating that the event marked a significant moment in the Committee’s effort to promote regional security and cooperation within ECOWAS Community.
“He pointed out that so far, the meeting has recorded fruitful deliberations geared at enhancing overall security situation of West African Sub-Region, adding that the dinner was intended to unwind, relax and create a better environment for further deliberations as the meeting is about to be rounded off.
“Speaking further, he acknowledged the esteemed presence of the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle who was the Special Guest of Honour at the dinner night, describing him as a distinguished leader who has shown unwavering commitment to the defence and security of AfricanRegion.
He disclosed that the presence of the ECOWAS CDSs at the dinner is a sheer testament of the collective importance which the Committee attaches to the collaboration and partnership amongst African nations in addressing security challenges facing the region.
“In celebrating the collective progress made by the Committee, General Musa called on his colleagues to reflect on the shared goals and aspirations that bind them together as members of ECOWAS Community, while reaffirming their shared commitment to promote peace, stability and security in the region.
“Also speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Dr Bello Matawalle stated that the ECOWAS Sub-Region had witnessed varying security challenges which call for collective efforts by member states, hence the need for the meeting of the ECOWAS CDSs to proffer actionable solutions.
The Minister therefore charged ECOWAS Community to remind themselves of the importance of unity and solidarity in addressing the security challenges confronting the sub-region.
He however noted that undertaking as members of ECOWAS Community is crucial in advancing peace, stability and security in West Africa. Furthermore, Dr Matawalle extolled the pivotal roles of ECOWAS Committee of CDSs, particularly in promoting regional security, cooperation and fostering dialogues among states.
“He identified the ongoing ECOWAS peace operations and activation of standby force in the fight against terrorism as parts of the progress made by ECOWAS in addressing the complex threats affecting the sub-region. As a sureway to further explore innovations and solutions to the challenges faced by the region, the Minister urged the ECOWAS Committee of CDSs to engage in constructive dialogue and exchange of ideas for a successful conclusion of the meeting.”
