Benue Killings: Security Agencies Arrest 26 Suspects Directly Involved, Recover Guns As IGP Declares Total War Against Criminals

By Frank Oshanugor

No fewer than 26 suspects directly involved in the recent mass killing of innocent persons at Yelwata community in Benue State have been arrested by the police and other security agencies.

Addressing the media on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun said the break through was made possible by the joint effort of the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC).

Giving details of what happened, Egbetokun said “as you will all recall, on June 13th 2025 between the hours of 2330-0200hrs armed militias invaded Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight. The invaders rampaged and pillaged the Community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and peoples means of livelihood.

“It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community. In this senseless and barbaric attack, forty-seven (47) persons were confirmed killed, twenty-seven (27) persons sustained various degrees of injuries, and hundreds of others have been displaced but not dead.

“The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources including deployment of tactical units and Special Forces to restore confidence in the affected community and neighbouring communities. Also immediately deployed were detectives from our Intelligence Response Team (IRT) who swung into action launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“I am pleased to inform you today that twenty-six (26) persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered.”

He explained further that
“on 19th June, two (2) prime suspects who were masterminds of the attack were apprehended from their hideout. This arrest led to the arrest of seven (7) other suspects on the following day, 20/06/ 25, picked up from various locations where they had fled hoping to evade justice. On 21st June, another key suspect in whose house the initial meetings to plan the attack was held was arrested.

“On 22nd June, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of eighteen (18) other suspects who directly took part in the killings. On 23rd June, our detectives recovered two (2) GPMG and eight (8) AK47 rifles which were part of the weapons used during the attack.”

According to the police boss, all 28 suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in the attack. “As I speak, legal proceedings are being finalized, and they will be arraigned in court without delay.

“We will go after anyone – planner or executor – who attacks any community in Nigeria. We will leave no stone unturned until every single individual responsible for the killing of innocent Nigerians is arrested and brought to justice.

“Similarly, on the 22nd of June, 2025, a heartbreaking incident occurred in Mangu, Plateau State, where a bus conveying passengers from Zaria was stopped and attacked by a mob. Tragically, nine (9) of the passengers were murdered, and three (3) sustained injuries before our teams could intervene and rescue the remaining twenty-two (22) victims.

“So far, twenty-two (22) suspects have also been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence. They too will face the full wrath of the law in court.

The IGP added that “yesterday 23/06/2025, another ugly incident was recorded in Benue where two (2) persons traveling in a truck were killed at Agan Area, North Bank, Makurdi. Five (5) persons connected to the incident have so far been arrested and will also be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Let me use this opportunity to issue a stern warning: Jungle justice, mob action, and taking laws into your own hands have no place in a civilized society. Every Nigerian has the right to life and a fair trial. We will not tolerate any individual or group who attempts to be judge, jury, and executioner. Those inciting violence and killing innocent Nigerians are warned to desist forthwith.

“The recent trend of reprisal killings—where innocent citizens are murdered in retaliation for crimes committed by others—is barbaric, senseless, and dangerous. It does not bring justice. It only fuels further hatred, inflames tension, and perpetuates the cycle of violence.

“I want to unequivocally condemn the recent spate of violence across our nation. This is not who we are. Violence is not the answer. I call on all Nigerians – regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background – to choose peace, embrace dialogue, and work together for the unity and prosperity of our country.”

Egbetokun has also called on communities across Nigeria to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative stressing that “the security agents deployed to your communities are there to protect you. Work with them. Share information. Stay calm. Together, we will overcome these dark forces.”

He also used the opportunity to
acknowledge that “the breakthroughs we have recorded – both in Benue and Plateau States – would not have been possible without the strong collaboration and synergy among all security agencies. The Nigeria Police Force continues to work hand-in-hand with the military, DSS, NSCDC, and other partners in the pursuit of one common goal: to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian citizens.”