The military has rejected allegations that it is supervising killings in Benue state and other areas in the country. In addition, the Defense Headquarters has rejected the alarm raised by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that bandits could take advantage of the transition period in May 29 to launch bloody attacks in the country.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operation, Major General Musa Danmadami, described El-Rufai’s warning as “unnecessary.” Danmadami noted that critical stakeholders have continued to make Nigerians more apprehensive than necessary. The military will always neutralize any threat.
Addressing the allegations made by Benue youths, that soldiers in the State looked the other way while herders killed innocent Nigerians, Danmadami said: “Anybody telling you that story is telling lies. The army will not see people coming to attack a location and sit back.” He noted that soldiers are properly trained and carry out their duties in a professional manner. Danmadami emphasized that soldiers are always on standby to ensure peace and security are sustained.
He further noted that follow-up operations are conducted daily to prevent the movement of ammunition from one point to another to commit havoc. He called on intelligence agencies to quickly expose those funding militant groups and, by extension, terrorism. Danmadami added that Nigerians should not be afraid, as everything is under control, and there is no cause for alarm.