Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday announced a major breakthrough in the investigation into the gruesome attack on Yelwata Community in Benue State. According to the police chief, 26 individuals directly involved in the coordinated killings on June 13, 2025, have been arrested, with weapons recovered from the suspects.
Egbetokun said the attack, which occurred between 11:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., claimed the lives of 47 persons while 27 others sustained injuries of varying degrees. The assailants, described as armed militias, invaded Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area and unleashed terror, setting homes ablaze and destroying property.
“As you will all recall, on June 13, 2025, between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., armed militias invaded Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight,” Egbetokun said.
“The invaders rampaged and pillaged the community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and people’s means of livelihood. It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community.”
He disclosed that two of the attackers were killed on the night of the incident during an attempted assault on the local police station.
“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,” he stated.
The police deployed tactical units, special forces, and detectives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to track down the perpetrators. Their efforts, Egbetokun confirmed, have so far led to the arrest of 26 individuals.
“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 said.
“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, 20/06/2025, who were 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 were 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) AK-47 rifles, which were part of the weapons used during the attack.”
Egbetokun affirmed that all the arrested suspects are currently in custody and have confessed to their involvement. Legal proceedings are underway, and they will be charged to court soon.
“As I speak, legal proceedings are being finalised, and they will be charged to 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,” he declared.
In addition to the Benue arrests, the IGP also revealed developments in other tragic incidents. On June 22, 2025, a mob in Mangu, Plateau State, attacked a bus travelling from Zaria. Nine passengers were killed, and three others were injured before security personnel intervened to rescue the remaining 22 occupants.
“So far, twenty-two (22) suspects have also been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence,” he disclosed. “They too will face the full wrath of the law in court.”
Another violent episode was recorded on June 23, in the Agan Area of North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State, where two persons travelling in a truck were killed. Five suspects linked to that incident have been arrested.
Egbetokun condemned the increasing cases of mob attacks and vigilante killings, warning that such actions are unlawful and will not be tolerated.
“Let me use this opportunity to issue a stern warning: jungle justice, mob action, and taking the law into your own hands have no place in a civilised 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,” he said.
“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.”
The police chief appealed for calm across the country, urging citizens to work with security agencies and avoid actions that undermine peace.
“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.”
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and the cooperation among security agencies that made the recent arrests possible.
“I must 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,” Egbetokun said. “The Nigeria Police Force continues to work hand-in-hand with the military, DSS, NSCDC, and other partners in pursuit of one common goal: to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian citizen.”
“I wish to thank Mr. President for providing the required support that facilitated the speedy arrest of the perpetrators of the Benue and Plateau massacres,” he added.
