IGP: 26 Arrested Over Benue Massacre, Others Nabbed in Plateau Killings
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the arrest of 26 suspects in connection with the recent massacre in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where at least 47 villagers were killed and over 100 displaced.
Speaking at a press briefing held Tuesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP disclosed that the arrests were made as part of a wider operation to restore peace and security to the region. He stated that most of the suspects were apprehended on June 22, 2025, following intensified manhunt and intelligence-driven operations.
Egbetokun revealed that during the Yelewata attack, police operatives engaged the assailants and neutralized two of them. “Our swift and tactical response ensured that many of the attackers did not escape justice,” he said.
The IGP also provided updates on similar violent incidents in other parts of the country. He announced that 22 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of nine travellers in Plateau State. In a separate incident also in Benue State, five individuals were apprehended for their alleged role in the killing of two people earlier this week.
These developments come just days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings in Yelewata and other affected communities.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating rural violence and bringing perpetrators to justice, adding that security has been heightened in vulnerable communities across Benue and Plateau States.
He urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement by sharing credible information that can assist in identifying criminal elements.
