The memo detailed intelligence on planned strikes by “Fulani militias” to avenge a cattle seizure. Communities including Yelewata — later attacked — were explicitly named.
ABUJA — A leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that the agency warned military authorities of impending attacks in Benue and Nasarawa states nearly a month before over 200 people were killed in Guma LGA.
The May 13 memo, addressed to Moses Gara, commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), detailed intelligence on planned strikes by “Fulani militias” to avenge a cattle seizure. Communities including Yelewata — later attacked — were explicitly named.
“The militias are currently hibernating… planning to attack Agatu, Gwer West, Guma and Loko communities,” the memo read.
Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa later admitted troops were misled: “There was a fake attack in the other village… that is when they came to attack the other one.”
A high-level security meeting was held in May, but no proactive measures appear to have stopped the violence.
Defence authorities have yet to comment, and attempts to reach DSS officials were unsuccessful.