A leaked memo has revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) wrote to Moses Gara, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), concerning planned attacks on communities in Benue and Nasarawa states in May.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) launched Operation Whirlwind Stroke in Benue in 2018.
The operation comprises the military, police, and DSS. On June 13, gunmen attacked Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of Benue, killing over 200 people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers.
According to a report by TheCable, in a leaked memo dated May 13, secret police said intelligence disclosed that suspected “Fulani militias” were planning to attack settlements in Awe LGA, Nasarawa state, and other communities “anytime soon”.
In the memo, DSS said its checks showed that the planned attack was to avenge an alleged seizure of some cows by the state government.
The communication identified the communities marked for attack as Mararaba, Jangargari, Wurgi, Gidan Antonny, Akon, Usende, Gaar, Vandikya, Chiata, Dooga, Gidan Baban Yara, Apelle, Pantaki, Kaambe and the Stadium area.
The memo also disclosed that there were plans to attack Tiv settlements and border communities between Nasarawa and Benue states by “suspected armed Fulani mercenaries”.
Yelweta, which later fell under an attack that claimed over 100 lives, was one of the communities identified in the memo.
“Reports indicate that they have been holding a series of meetings in Akpanaja, Rukuhi and Andori settlements in Doma LGA and have stationed their men at designated forests for a coordinated offensive against the Tiv communities,” the memo reads.
“The militias are currently hibernating [sic] at Amako and Igbabo forest located between Mkoma and Doka villages in Doma LGA and Ikom forest, located few kilometers away from Yelweta-Udei-Ukohol and Kadarko Railway in Keana LGA and are planning to attack Agatu, Gwer West/Gwer East/part of Makurdi LGA, as well as Guma and Loko Communities, all in Benue State.”
ARMY HELD HIGH LEVEL MEETING OVER BENUE ATTACKS — DAYS AFTER MEMO
In May, Moses Gara, commander of the OPWS, held a “high-level meeting” with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Makurdi, Benue capital, over the constant attacks in the state.
Lawal Osabo, acting assistant director of army public relations, 401 special forces brigade/sector 1 OPWS, in a statement issued on May 28, said the engagement brought together critical stakeholders, including security agencies and local government authorities.
Osabo said the meeting addressed persistent security threats such as farmer-herder conflicts, retaliatory attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in Benue State.
He added that the concerns raised during the engagement would be tabled before the state government and relevant security agencies.
The Cable
The revelation that the DSS alerted the DHQ about potential attacks raises questions about preparedness and response. Do you think the authorities could have done more to prevent the Benue attacks or mitigate their impact?