Nigeria: Leaked DSS Memo Warned of Attacks Weeks Before Benue Killings, Cited Cow Seizure as Trigger

A leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that Nigeria’s intelligence agency had warned of planned attacks on several communities in Benue and Nasarawa states, nearly a month before over 200 people were killed in brutal assaults in Guma LGA, Benue.

The memo, dated May 13, seen by TheCable, was addressed to Moses Gara, commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), a joint military-security task force operating in the region. It detailed intelligence about alleged plans by the suspect was addressed to Moses Gara, commanding Fulani militias to launch coordinated attacks in retaliation for the reported seizure of cows by a state government.

Yelewata, one of the communities listed in the memo, was among those attacked on June 13, when gunmen stormed the area, killing more than 100 residents, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local farmers. Another community, Daudu, was also attacked the same day in Guma LGA, bringing the total death toll to over 200.

The DSS memo warned that suspected armed mercenaries were plotting attacks on Tiv settlements and border communities between Nasarawa and Benue states, including locations in Awe, Keana, and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa, and Guma, Agatu, and Gwer areas in Benue. Specific communities listed in the warning include Mararaba, Jangargari, Usende, Vandikya, Dooga, Kaambe, and the Stadium area.

It further disclosed that militias were regrouping in forested areas such as Amako and Igbabo in Doma LGA, and Ikom forest near the Yelwata-Udei-Ukohol corridor in Keana LGA, preparing to launch attacks.

Despite this intelligence, the attacks proceeded. According to General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, troops were stationed in Yelewata on the day of the attack but were misled by false reports suggesting another village was under siege.

In response to the escalating violence in May, OPWS commander Moses Gara held a high-level security meeting in Makurdi with key stakeholders, including the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The meeting aimed to address farmer-herder conflicts, retaliatory violence, and cattle rustling.

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A statement from Lawal Osabo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 401 Special Forces Brigade, confirmed that the meeting was intended to defuse tensions and was to be followed by further consultations with the Benue state government and federal security agencies.

However, the eventual massacre in Yelewata and other areas has raised critical questions about coordination between intelligence and operational units, and the ability of security forces to preempt imminent threats.

Recall that General Christopher Musa, earlier, stated that internal saboteurs within the military may have played a role in the recent Benue massacre.  Gen. Musa warned of deliberate efforts by individuals within the security apparatus to sabotage operations aimed at restoring peace in the region.

Also, the paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation, Tor Tiv V, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, claimed that the deteriorating security crisis in Benue State is being politicised.

What we are dealing with here in Benue State is a calculated, well-planned and full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits. This has been on for decades and it’s worsening every year. Wrong diagnosis will lead to wrong treatment. We are dealing with something far more sinister than we think about. It not learning to live with your neighbours it is dealing with the war, he stated in his address.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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