THE PUNCH EDITORIAL ON BENUE: A FABRICATION IN SEARCH OF A SCAPEGOAT
By
Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr

As a concerned and observant citizen and someone conversant with the military, which I have served meritoriously for over 35 years before voluntarily retiring in 2019, I feel compelled to respond to the editorial published by The Punch on June 17, 2025, titled “Benue Carnage: Beyond Army Chief’s Relocation.” That editorial, in my considered opinion, was not only riddled with factual inaccuracies but also laced with subtle mischief and a thinly veiled attempt to impugn the competence and integrity of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, mni.

Let me state without equivocation: The Punch based its entire editorial on a falsehood. I have searched exhaustively and cannot recall, nor find any record of, the Chief of Army Staff or any organ of the Nigerian Army announcing a relocation to Makurdi, as was alleged. That claim is entirely fabricated. Yet, on this phantom announcement, the editorial weaves an entire narrative accusing the COAS of ineffectiveness, as if the failure of a non-existent relocation were a legitimate measure of leadership. This is not just misleading; it is reckless.

With my knowledge of him, Lieutenant General Oluyede is not a man given to media stunts or superficial gestures. Since time immemorial, his approach to military leadership has been defined by professionalism, quiet diligence and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s complex security terrain. As someone who follows security developments closely, I can attest that he knows exactly where his men are, what they are doing, and what they are capable of, particularly in the North-Central region. Military formations and units such as Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade are not just in place; in active collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, they are operationally effective, delivering results under extraordinarily challenging conditions.

The suggestion that “little has changed” in Benue because the COAS allegedly relocated is not only baseless; it is a cynical distortion of the facts. If The Punch had made the slightest effort to verify its claims, it would have discovered that no such relocation took place because it was never needed. However, he does visit the military locations periodically. Any keen observer will discern that the Nigerian Army, especially under his able leadership, does not rely on media optics to secure lives; it relies on strategy, structure, and trained men and women doing their jobs, often at great personal cost. It is worth pointing out that The Punch has become increasingly fond of such ill-informed publications, which often makes one question the motive behind them. Rather than enlighten the public or contribute meaningfully to national security discourse, such editorials seem designed to generate controversy and discredit public institutions, especially the military, without justification.

Since his appointment in an acting capacity on 30th September 2024, and subsequent screening and confirmation as the substantive Chief of Army Staff, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Lieutenant General Oluyede has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational command acumen. He has also demonstrated an undeniable capacity to work diligently. The Nigerian Army under his stewardship has recorded tremendous achievements in its assigned tasks across various theatres of operation. He has remained focused, strategic, and proactive in his duties, never distracted by media posturing or political noise.

Therefore, it is deeply disappointing that a newspaper of The Punch’s standing would publish an editorial based entirely on fiction. It betrays a lack of journalistic rigour and a worrying eagerness to sensationalise a national tragedy for editorial impact. What purpose is served by disseminating such misinformation? Certainly not accountability, and certainly not in public interest or enlightenment. If The Punch was genuinely concerned about the security situation in Benue, it could have taken the responsible route: reached out to military authorities, credible sources, reviewed the actual deployments, and reported verified events. Instead, it chose to peddle speculation and cloak it in editorial righteousness.

The Chief of Army Staff has demonstrated time and again that he is a focused, capable, and composed leader who does not need to shout from the rooftops to be effective. He works silently, relentlessly, and responsibly. He is not a showman; he is a well-experienced and well-trained soldier, who is result-oriented and has the welfare and well-being of his men at heart. Consequently, I urge The Punch to be more measured in its editorial judgements and to avoid descending into narratives that are not only misleading but damaging to national morale and the integrity of our institutions. If doubt exists, they should ask, not assume. That is what responsible journalism demands.

Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. It is not a time for careless conjecture or the luxury of false narratives. The Punch should also understand that this is not the time to tear down those working hard to hold the line, especially not based on imagination. It is a time to support and strengthen those working earnestly to defend our country. Anything less does more harm than good.

— Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd), mni, fnipr, is a security and strategic communication expert. He can be reached via his social media handles @skusman.

At Auchi Youth Summit, Apostle Suleman Tasks Youths on Political Inclusion and Change Ideas

One of the outspoken Nigerian Christian leaders, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has tasked Nigerian youths to brace up and play active roles that will determine the sustainability of the nation’s democracy. Suleman’s call was the highlight of the maiden edition of the Auchi Youth Summit organized by the Auchi Youth Council, Edo State.

At the one-day summit themed ‘From Margins To Mainstream’, which held at Uyi Grand Event Center in Etsako West LGA headquarters, Auchi on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Apostle Suleman, who delivered the keynote address, admonished youths to make use of the opportunity at their disposal to participate in the reshaping of Nigeria’s democracy by using their strength to chart a new course for the country.

Noting that the youths can be the plug that will determine the direction of governance if they are organized, the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide posited that the fast growth of the youth population in the country shows that state policies will have an impact on them and their future more than any other demography.

Highlighting the factors influencing youth participation in governance, Suleman recommended that there is a need for the youth to build strong political platforms that will serve as a pedestal to mobilize fellow youths for political engagement. “The political inclusion of the youths would, no doubt, ignite a movement that unites the citizens under a banner of empowerment, representation, and change. This is particularly a call to action for the youths of Auchi,’ remarked the famous cleric.

Suleman noted that the theme of the summit’s first edition was not only prophetic, but it’s also timely. He declared that the initiative spoke to the yearning of a generation that has waited too long to be recognized, respected, and properly represented. “It’s time to seize the moment,” he asserted, adding that the world is developing at a rapid pace and, therefore, the political, social, and economic dynamics are evolving at a pace that demands a collective participation driven by the eagerness of the youths.

Speaking to Auchi youths, Apostle Suleman recalled that, “despite the continuous shifts in hopes and promises, the voices of many young people remain marginalized and unheard. Today, we are yet to explore ways we can collectively empower the youths of Auchi to engage in politics and, above all, governance. We are standing on the edge of a new era. For too long, we have been spectators in the theater of our destinies. For long, decisions have been made about you without your active involvement. But the time is over. The stone that the builders rejected will become the head of the corner. This is your responsibility and a season to take charge and set a new course not just for yourself but for generations yet unborn.”

Political inclusion: Political inclusion is not just a civic right. It is a responsibility. When godly visionary and principled youth enter the political space, they bring light into the dark places. They restore hope where there has been despair. Political inclusion does not start on election day. It starts with education, engagement, and empowerment. It starts with understanding your rights, history, and heritage. It starts with unity, setting aside tribalism, envy, religion, apathy for the greater good of our community.”

To build the current democratic experiment on a sound foundation, Suleman charged that there is the need to work towards improving the youth participation in governance, both as active voters and leaders, urging them to facilitate legislation, sensitization and mobilization to promote their involvement in politics and change the narrative that youths are mere thugs, instruments of violence and anarchy. “Political inclusion is not merely a privilege. It’s right. It is the bedrock of a democratic society where every youth has the opportunity to participate in shaping the policies that govern our lives. For the youth of Auchi, political inclusion means having a voice in local governance, being represented in legislative bodies, and playing a role in the decision-making process. Simply put, our youths are not too young to aspire for positions of authority.

Group Raises Concern Over ‘Peace Meeting’ Between Zamfara, Katsina State Officials With Notorious Bandits

A civil society grouikp, the Citizens for Equity and Justice Initiative (CEJI), has condemned the governors of Zamfara and Katsina states over a widely criticised peace meeting held with Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader long declared wanted by security forces.

The meeting, held Saturday in Bichi community, Danmusa LGA of Katsina, was attended by traditional rulers, local government officials, representatives of the Nigerian Army, and top officials from both states. In widely circulated video footage, Aleru — who has a N5 million bounty on his head — was seen addressing the gathering, urging for peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and farming communities.

Aleru has been linked to countless acts of terror and bloodshed in the north-west, with human rights organisations accusing him of orchestrating mass killings, mass kidnappings, and the displacement of thousands. His reemergence, not in handcuffs but at the centre of state-sanctioned negotiations, has sparked outrage across the country.

CEJI, a non-partisan watchdog focused on justice and rule of law, said the presence of state officials and security personnel at a meeting where Aleru was not only welcomed but offered a platform to speak, was a complete betrayal of the Nigerian people and an affront to every citizen who has lost a loved one to bandit violence.

In a statement issued on Friday, Dr Abdulmumin Sarki, CEJI president, accused governors Dikko Radda of Katsina and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara of hypocrisy and political cowardice.

“These are the same governors who, while campaigning, condemned so-called peace deals with blood-stained warlords,” Sarki said.

“Now in power, they are doing precisely what they once derided — normalising criminals as stakeholders in the governance process, even as tens of thousands of citizens remain unaccounted for due to the very violence these men unleashed.”

The group referenced a 2023 report by Amnesty International which estimated that more than 10,000 Nigerians have been killed and tens of thousands more displaced in the past two years alone as a result of banditry and communal violence in the northwest. In that context, CEJI described the peace parley as a “moral collapse of governance”.

“You do not negotiate with terrorists in the open, not when the blood of their victims is still drying, not when they remain armed, wanted, and unrepentant. It is a dangerous precedent that delegitimises state authority and emboldens violent actors,” Sarki added.

Governor Lawal of Zamfara had, in August 2023, publicly ruled out dialogue with bandits, describing such moves as “a failed strategy that has only given criminals more time to regroup and rearm.”

Similarly, Governor Radda had dismissed earlier peace talks under his predecessor as “a misguided approach that rewarded impunity.”

CEJI said both governors must be held to account for clearly contradicting their own policy positions and exposing the public to more insecurity.

“The Nigerian state cannot simultaneously claim to be fighting insecurity while its chief executives are sharing stages with those they should be arresting. This is a contradiction that weakens the rule of law and puts lives at risk,” Sarki said.

The group called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately investigate the circumstances under which Ado Aleru was allowed to surface freely and publicly despite his wanted status.

“It is unacceptable that a man declared wanted since 2020 was able to move around with such impunity, engage state actors, and issue statements without fear of arrest. The implication is that there may be state complicity in shielding these actors, which is a grievous national security breach,” the statement added.

The group also urged the National Human Rights Commission and international partners to investigate the meeting as a possible violation of Nigeria’s obligations under international law.

“Negotiating with known perpetrators of crimes against humanity, in full view of the security agencies and the public, without any form of justice or accountability, is a breach of international norms and values,” CEJI stated.

It called on the governors to issue public explanations for their roles in the meeting and to clarify whether their administrations now officially recognise violent non-state actors as peace partners.

“If the governors of Katsina and Zamfara can legitimise a fugitive bandit in the name of peace, what will stop every other violent group from demanding the same treatment?” Sarki asked.

“That meeting undermines the rule of law. It tells victims there is no justice. It tells future terrorists that with enough weapons and violence, they too can get invited to state dinners.

“We strongly condemn that so-called peace meeting and urge the security agencies to investigate that highly provocative gathering.”