The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has condemned the gruesome massacre of unarmed civilians in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the attack as barbaric, senseless, and unjustifiable.

Audi made the statement during an on-the-spot assessment of the area, accompanied by other security chiefs, where he met with the bereaved community and condole with Governor Hyacinth Alia and the people of Yelwata.

The NSCDC boss vowed that the Corps, in collaboration with other security agencies, would intensify efforts to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

Audi said, “These killings must stop, and we must be very strategic, decisive, and resilient in our approach to the restoration of peace and order in the state. There must be maximum deployment of all special forces, counter-terrorism units, and intelligence operatives for both covert and overt operations.”

He issued a marching order to the NSCDC Zonal Commander and the Benue State Commandant, directing the deployment of covert operatives, special forces, and tactical units to every part of the state.

He emphasised the need for inter-agency synergy and community-based intelligence to combat the perpetrators of such heinous acts.

“Just as Mr. President has directed, the perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to book, and we need to be on top of our game to make this happen,” he said.

The CG also announced that the NSCDC High Command would deploy additional tactical operatives and logistics support to strengthen the operations of the Benue Command.

He pledged closer collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police, indigenous security outfits, and key community stakeholders to gather credible intelligence.

Audi commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Lornem Alia, for his support to the state command and reassured residents of the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) and protecting the lives and property of the people.

The visit follows a deadly attacks which happened on Friday June 14, where over 200 people both adults and children were killed