NCAMKI, Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation Slam CDS over Yelwata Massacre Remarks

The National Coalition Against Mass Killings and Impunity (NCAMKI), with the backing of the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation, has condemned recent comments credited to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, over the deadly Yelwata massacre in Benue State.

General Musa was quoted as alleging that members of the affected community “provided food, shelter and even women” to the armed attackers responsible for the killings. His statement has since triggered widespread outrage, especially among victim groups, civil society organisations, and rights advocates.

In a strongly worded response issued through its National Secretariat, NCAMKI described the remarks as “reckless, insensitive, and highly provocative,” warning that such statements deepen the pain of already traumatised communities and risk fuelling public anger.

According to Akahi News, the coalition views the CDS’s comments as a dangerous shift of responsibility from security agencies to helpless victims, at a time when accountability and justice remain unresolved.

‘A Dangerous Narrative That Re-Victimises Victims’

NCAMKI stated that the narrative advanced by the military chief does not only misrepresent the situation on ground but also amounts to blatant victim-blaming.

The organisation argued that suggesting that grieving communities willingly aided their attackers is both insulting and misleading, especially in an environment where civilians are often caught between armed violence and the absence of effective state protection.

“This kind of narrative does not heal wounds. It re-opens them. It paints victims as collaborators and diverts attention from the repeated failure of the state to protect its citizens,” the statement said.

Akahi News gathered that rights activists and community leaders in Benue have expressed fears that such comments could worsen mistrust between vulnerable rural communities and security agencies already viewed with suspicion following years of unresolved attacks.

‘A Clear Example of State Failure’

Describing the Yelwata incident as “a clear example of repeated state failure,” the group noted that warnings and intelligence reports about rising insecurity in the area were allegedly not matched with proactive measures to prevent the attack.

“Despite so-called intelligence, no effective protection was provided to the vulnerable internally displaced persons. The attack was not the first and, unfortunately, will not be the last if this culture of impunity and excuse-making continues,” the statement added.

According to Akahi News, the Yelwata community has over time become a refuge for displaced families fleeing violence in surrounding settlements, making the massacre even more tragic and symbolic of a broader humanitarian crisis in the state.

Allegation of Dehumanisation and Misogyny

One of the strongest criticisms from the coalition centred on the reference to “women” allegedly being offered to the attackers. NCAMKI described that aspect of the comment as “a disturbing level of dehumanisation and misogyny.”

The group stressed that such language demeans women, reduces them to objects, and reflects an unhealthy mindset that is inconsistent with the discipline, dignity, and accountability expected from the highest-ranking officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Akahi News learnt that women’s rights advocates have also begun to echo similar concerns, calling the statement degrading and unacceptable in a modern democratic society governed by human rights principles.

Call for Retraction, Apology and Independent Probe

NCAMKI has demanded an immediate retraction and unreserved public apology from General Musa, insisting that his comments are unbecoming of his position and potentially inflammatory in the fragile security climate.

Beyond the apology, the group renewed its call for an independent, multi-stakeholder panel of inquiry into the Yelwata massacre.

“We renew our call for an independent, multi-stakeholder panel of inquiry into the Yelwata massacre, comprising representatives from victims’ communities, civil society, human rights institutions, and the National Human Rights Commission,” the statement read.

According to Akahi News, the proposed panel is expected to investigate not just the immediate circumstances of the attack, but also the systemic failures, intelligence lapses, and long-standing patterns of impunity that have enabled repeated violence in Benue and neighbouring regions.

Growing Pressure on Security Leadership

The controversy is adding to growing national pressure on Nigeria’s security leadership to adopt a more people-centred approach, built on empathy, accountability and genuine partnership with local communities.

Security analysts who spoke with newsmen said that while communities must cooperate with authorities to defeat criminal networks, such cooperation can only thrive in an atmosphere of trust, respect and protection, not suspicion and public condemnation.

As reactions continue to pour in, many Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the Defence Headquarters will respond officially to the call for apology and independent investigation.

Akahi News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Yelwata massacre and bring verified updates to the public.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here: https://akahinews.org/Joseph/

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