The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the arrest of 26 individuals suspected to be the key perpetrators behind the deadly attack on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Benue State, which claimed over 200 lives.
At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP disclosed that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to bring all those responsible to justice. He added that more suspects are being tracked as investigations continue.
Egbetokun reassured Nigerians that the police are not overwhelmed by the scale of the violence, noting that operations are ongoing to recover illegal light and small arms. He also revealed that border patrols have been intensified to prevent the infiltration of irregular migrants.
The IGP further stated that the 26 suspects will be arraigned in court shortly, along with 22 others arrested in Jos in connection with the brutal killing of nine travelers en route to a wedding in Quanpan, Plateau State.
He clarified that while 28 persons were initially detained in the Yelwata case, two were later released after being used strategically to apprehend the actual suspects.
The arrests follow an earlier announcement on Sunday by the Benue State joint security task force, which confirmed progress in the case, though specific identities were withheld. State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, addressed the press but refrained from giving names.
This development comes after President Bola Tinubu, during a recent visit to Benue, issued a strong directive to the security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the Yelwata killings. Addressing the IGP and service chiefs, Tinubu emphasized the urgency of the situation and demanded concrete results.
“Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out,” the President had urged.
The Yelwata massacre, which occurred last week in the Guma Local Government Area, was reportedly carried out by gunmen suspected to be herders. The attack left dozens dead and forced thousands to flee their homes in one of Nigeria’s most fertile farming area.
