IGP confirms 26 arrests over Benue massacre that left 47 dead and 27 injured in Yelwata. Police vow swift justice as nationwide manhunts continue
IGP confirms 26 arrests over Benue massacre that claimed 47 lives in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, on June 13, 2025.
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The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 26 suspects in connection with the brutal attack on Yelwata community in Benue State, which left 47 people dead and 27 others injured.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Egbetokun described the midnight raid as a coordinated act of terror, in which armed militias invaded the community between 11:30 PM and 2:00 AM, shooting indiscriminately and setting properties ablaze.
Two attackers were neutralised on the spot by police officers when the armed group attempted to overrun the local police station. Immediate deployment of tactical units and Special Forces helped restore calm in Yelwata and nearby areas.
According to the IGP, detectives from the Intelligence Response Team swung into action following the massacre.
“On June 19, two prime suspects were apprehended at their hideout. This led to the arrest of seven others the next day, and a further 18 were picked up on June 22.”
He further revealed that a key suspect, whose home hosted the attack’s planning meeting, was arrested on June 21.
A day later, two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and eight AK-47 rifles linked to the assault were recovered.
“All 28 suspects are now in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their roles. Legal proceedings are underway and they will be charged to court without delay,” Egbetokun affirmed.
The police chief warned that law enforcement would pursue all perpetrators—planners and executors alike—responsible for community attacks.
“We will leave no stone unturned in bringing every offender to justice,” he said.
In a separate incident on June 22, a mob attacked a passenger bus in Mangu, Plateau State, killing nine and injuring three before security operatives rescued 22 others.
Twenty-two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.
Also in Makurdi, Benue State, two travellers were murdered at the Agan area in North Bank on Monday. Five suspects linked to that attack have been apprehended.
Egbetokun condemned the rising trend of reprisal killings and jungle justice. “No individual or group has the right to take the law into their hands. Mob violence only fuels hatred and prolongs the cycle of violence,” he said.
Reaffirming the Police Force’s commitment to public safety, he stressed the need for lawful conduct and cooperation with security agencies.
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“We will continue to work with other agencies and law-abiding Nigerians to hunt down every perpetrator of violence against our people,” he said.
