From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has ordered the immediate arrest of anyone in possession of illegal arms in Benue State.Gen. Musa also warned that anyone who attacks security personnel with such illegal arms would be neutralised.

He issued the directive Thursday after holding a closed-door meeting with their Royal Majesties, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, the Och’Idoma, John Odogbo and other traditional rulers in the state.Gen. Musa emphasised the sincerity of the federal government and military leadership in resolving the security challenges confronting Benue State. He recalled previous consultations, including the recent visit by President Bola Tinubu, as part of ongoing efforts to secure the state and ensure that the displaced citizens return to their communities.He said, “We have a challenge in Benue State, and I believe working together, we will find a solution. When we sit down and talk sincerely, bringing out all that is affecting us, we will be able to find the solution.”Gen. Musa expressed appreciation to the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma for their candid contributions and called for continued collaboration between the communities and security agencies. He urged the royal fathers to regard the military as partners and “sons” working towards peace in a region with shared history and struggles.The CDS warned that the military would not condone illegal arms possession or criminal activities, regardless of the perpetrators’ identity or affiliation “and anyone bearing arms illegally will be arrested. If he threatens security forces, he will be neutralised. That is the mandate.”He assured that the military was committed to replicating peace-building successes recorded in other troubled parts of the country and cautioned military personnel against complacency and reminded them of their constitutional duty to protect lives, their colleagues, and host communities.Gen. Musa also disclosed that the outcome of the meeting would be relayed to the President for further action.On the Yelewata attack, the CDS confirmed the arrest of some suspects, adding that prosecution would now follow a development he said was long overdue.“We are committed to ending the era where crimes go unpunished. There will be no sacred persons. Anyone involved in violence must face justice.”On the resettlement of displaced persons, the CDS said Yelewata was now secured with additional forces deployed ahead of the return of the displaced persons.He pointed out that “the true measure of our success is when IDPs leave the camps and return home. That is our goal, and we are working hard to achieve it.”Responding, the Tor Tiv acknowledged significant improvements in the state since the last engagement with the CDS and expressed optimism that the renewed dialogue would permanently address the state’s security challenges.He said, “Our people also have some roles. We are taking responsibility and working to bring our people under control to prevent further attacks.”The monarch urged security forces to apprehend and prosecute any criminal elements within his domain.The Och’Idoma, on his part, stressed the need to differentiate between peaceful Fulani residents and armed herders responsible for violence.He said, “We are not saying all Fulani should leave. The known, peaceful ones have been with us for years. We are asking only those carrying arms and causing terror, killing, raping, and destroying our farms to leave. Benue people must be able to return to their farms and feed the nation as the Food Basket of the Nation.”IGP Orders Investigation after Retired Officer Rejected N2m PensionThe Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a thorough investigation into the claims made by a retired Superintendent of Police in a viral video concerning the welfare and retirement benefits of police pensioners.The retired officer, who served in the force for 35 years, reportedly rejected a retirement benefit of N2 million.In the widely circulated video, the officer, who retired on October 1, 2023, expressed deep frustration over what he described as a meagre payout.He said the Nigeria Police Pension Board recently informed him that his total retirement benefits had been approved at N3 million.According to him, the amount includes N1 million in arrears covering the period from October 2023 to date, and N2 million as his full terminal benefit.In a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP directed the NPF Pensions Limited to urgently look into the claims, identify any possible lapses, and ensure appropriate actions are taken to address the issues raised.The police chief emphasised that while efforts have been made to improve the police pension system over the years, constructive feedback, such as that highlighted in the viral video, remains crucial in identifying gaps and initiating reforms.“‎The IGP has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations raised in a viral video by a retired Superintendent of Police concerning the welfare and retirement benefits of police pensioners. The IGP has tasked the NPF Pensions Limited to urgently examine the claims, identify any possible lapses, and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address the concerns raised.“‎The Nigeria Police Force is not insensitive to the plight of its pensioners, many of whom dedicated their lives to the service and safety of our nation. The IGP views the welfare of both serving and retired officers as a priority and recognises that timely and adequate pension administration is crucial to sustaining morale and institutional integrity. While efforts have consistently been made to improve the pension system, the IGP acknowledges the importance of constructive feedback in prompting necessary reforms.”Egbetokun assured both serving and retired officers, along with their families, of the Force’s unwavering commitment to improved welfare and a pension system that honours their years of sacrifice.“‎The IGP, therefore, reassures all officers, both serving and retired, and their families of the Force’s commitment to improved welfare, and to building a system that honours their sacrifices. He urges stakeholders to remain calm and patient as the NPF Pensions carries out its investigations and engages relevant agencies to ensure lasting solutions”, Adejobi concluded.