• A leaked DSS memo dated May 13 warned of planned attacks by suspected Fulani militias on communities in Benue and Nasarawa, including Yelewata where over 100 people were later killed.
• The intelligence revealed the attackers were retaliating over alleged cattle seizures and had stationed men in nearby forests for coordinated strikes.
• Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa confirmed troops were misled by false information on the day of the Yelewata attack, allowing gunmen to strike after soldiers left the area.

A leaked intelligence memo has revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had alerted Moses Gara, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), about a looming threat to communities in Benue and Nasarawa states a month before the deadly attacks that claimed over 200 lives.

The memo, dated May 13 and obtained by TheCable, disclosed that “suspected Fulani militias” were plotting attacks on several settlements, including Awe LGA in Nasarawa and multiple communities across Benue.

According to the DSS, the planned violence was reportedly in retaliation for the alleged seizure of cattle by the state government. The agency’s intelligence also noted that Tiv communities and areas along the Nasarawa–Benue border were being targeted.

ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!

READ MORE: 17 Chinese Nationals Sentenced for Cybercrime, To Be Deported from Nigeria

The DSS listed vulnerable communities including Mararaba, Jangargari, Wurgi, Gidan Antonny, Akon, Usende, Gaar, Vandikya, Chiata, Dooga, Gidan Baban Yara, Apelle, Pantaki, Kaambe, and the Stadium area. Yelewata, which later came under a brutal attack resulting in the death of over 100 residents, was one of the areas identified.

“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 stated.

“The militias are currently hibernating at Amako and Igbabo forest located between Mkoma and Doka villages in Doma LGA and Ikom forest, located few kilometers away from Yelwata-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,” it added.

Army Held Stakeholders’ Meeting Weeks Before Killings

In response to escalating tensions, OPWS Commander Moses Gara had convened a high-level security meeting with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in May, weeks before the massacre.

Lawal Osabo, acting assistant director of army public relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPWS, confirmed the May 28 meeting in Makurdi. According to him, the gathering involved key stakeholders including other security agencies and local government officials.

He said discussions focused on pressing issues such as farmer-herder clashes, retaliatory attacks, abductions, and cattle rustling.

“The concerns raised during the engagement would be tabled before the state government and relevant security agencies,” Osabo stated.

Army Chief: Troops Were Misled on Day of Yelewata Attack

Following the Guma massacre on June 13, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said troops had actually been deployed to Yelewata on the day of the killings but were misdirected to another location by false intelligence.

“Because of the insider information, on the actual day that it (attack) happened, the troops were there,” Musa said.
“There was a fake attack in the other village when the troops moved in; that is when they came to attack the other one. That is what happened.”

Efforts by TheCable to reach Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not answered.

Onyinyechi Anele, director of army public relations, redirected inquiries to Commander Gara, who had yet to be reached as of press time. The DSS, which has no publicly designated spokesperson, also did not respond.

Final-Year Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Student Dies by Suicide in Ondo

A 28-year-old final-year student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), identified as Precious Arobo, has reportedly died by suicide in Ondo State.

Arobo, a Higher National Diploma (HND) II student, was found lifeless in a bush near his residence by members of the community. Sources said a suicide note was allegedly discovered at the scene, although details surrounding the incident remain unclear.