The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of 28 suspects believed to be behind the recent massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, which claimed the lives of 47 people.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the IGP assured Nigerians that the police remain in control of the situation and are actively pursuing other perpetrators connected to the attack. He revealed that out of the 28 suspects initially detained, two have been cleared, having been used as bait to track down 26 alleged masterminds of the killings.
“We are not overwhelmed,” Egbetokun declared, adding that efforts to recover illegal arms and light weapons are ongoing nationwide. He also highlighted increased border patrols as part of the strategy to limit the infiltration of irregular migrants who may be fueling violence in parts of the country.
In addition to the Yelwata case, Egbetokun announced that 22 other suspects were apprehended in Jos, Plateau State, in connection with the brutal murder of nine wedding guests en route to Quanpan. All suspects, according to him, will be arraigned in court soon.
The arrests follow mounting pressure from the Presidency. President Bola Tinubu had, during a condolence visit to Benue State last Wednesday, ordered security chiefs and intelligence agencies to apprehend those responsible for the killings. “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made?” Tinubu asked, urging law enforcement to act swiftly. He further directed: “Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out. Retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command had on Sunday announced that suspects had been arrested in connection with the Yelwata massacre. However, Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, declined to name those taken into custody.
The attack on Yelwata, located in Guma Local Government Area—one of Benue’s key food-producing regions—was reportedly carried out by suspected herdsmen. The assault left dozens dead and forced thousands of residents to flee their homes.
What you should know
The Nigerian Police have arrested 28 suspects in connection with the Yelwata massacre, which killed 47 people. The arrests come after President Tinubu’s public demand for swift action. Authorities are continuing investigations and reinforcing border security while preparing to charge the suspects in court.
