The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, announced the arrest of 28 suspects in connection with the gruesome attack on Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack, which occurred on June 13, left 47 people dead and 27 others injured.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP described the incident as a “coordinated terror attack,” revealing that armed militias stormed the community between 11:30 pm and 2:00 am, killing residents, burning homes, and destroying livelihoods.
Egbetokun disclosed that the swift deployment of tactical units, special forces, and detectives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led to the arrest of the suspects across various locations. He added that two prime masterminds of the attack were arrested on June 19, which paved the way for further arrests in the following days.
“On June 22, we achieved a major breakthrough with the arrest of 18 individuals who directly took part in the killings,” he said, adding that two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) and eight AK-47 rifles were also recovered from the suspects.
“All 28 suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their roles in the crime. Legal proceedings are underway, and they will be arraigned without delay,” the IGP affirmed.
In a related development, the Police Chief also confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects in Plateau State following the June 22 mob attack in Mangu, where nine passengers traveling from Zaria were killed. Three others sustained injuries before the intervention of security operatives who rescued 22 remaining victims.
Additionally, five suspects have been arrested in connection with another violent incident in the Agan Area of North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State, on June 23, where two people traveling in a truck were killed.
Egbetokun issued a stern warning against jungle justice and mob action, labeling them as “barbaric and dangerous.” He condemned the rising trend of reprisal killings and emphasized that justice must be pursued through legal means.
“Violence is not the answer. Reprisal killings only inflame tension and perpetuate a cycle of hatred. Every Nigerian has a right to life and a fair trial,” he stated.
The IGP expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s support, which he said enabled rapid response and investigations. He also commended the collaboration among security agencies, including the military, DSS, and NSCDC, in addressing the crisis.
Egbetokun assured Nigerians of the Police Force’s unwavering commitment to peace and security across the country.
“Nigeria will not bow to terror. These criminals may have struck, but we will strike back with the full force of the law,” he declared.
The Police urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and provide useful information as authorities continue efforts to restore order and ensure lasting peace in affected communities.