Eric Patrick
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 53 suspects linked to a recent spate of violent attacks in Benue and Plateau States.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP disclosed that 26 individuals were apprehended in connection with the gruesome killing of 47 residents in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The arrests, according to Egbetokun, followed a coordinated police operation, with the majority of suspects taken into custody on June 22, 2025.
“During the attack, our operatives also neutralised two of the assailants.
“Unfortunately, the violence led to the displacement of over 100 villagers,” the police chief said.
He further revealed that 22 more suspects were arrested over the murder of 12 travellers in Plateau State, while five individuals were recently apprehended for the killing of two persons in another incident in Benue.
“These arrests are part of our broader efforts to curb the escalating violence in some parts of the country and bring perpetrators to justice,” Egbetokun said.
The IGP reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives and property across Nigeria, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to authorities.
Egbetokun said, “As we all recall, on June 13, 2025, between the hours of 23.30 and 23:40, two militias invaded the Eluwata community in the Manuka Province area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight.
“The invaders rampaged and pillaged the community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and properties of livelihoods.
“It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community. In this senseless barbaric attack, 47 persons were confirmed killed, 27 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, while hundreds of others have been displaced but not dead.
“The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources, including the deployment of tactical units and special forces to restore confidence in the affected community and neighbouring communities.
“Also immediately deployed were detectives from our intelligence response team, who swung into action, launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
“I am pleased to inform you here today that 26 persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered.
“On June 19, two prime suspects who were masterminds of this attack were apprehended from their hideout.
“This arrest led to the arrest of seven other suspects the following day they were picked up from their previous locations, where they had fled, hoping to evade justice.
“On June 21, another key suspect, in whose house the pressure meeting to plan the attack was held, was also arrested.
“On June 22, a breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of 18 other suspects who directly took part in the killings.
READ ALSO: 22 Arrested over Killing of 12 Wedding Guests in Plateau — Police
“On June 23, our detectives recovered two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles, which were part of the weapons used during the attack.
“All 26 suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in this attack.
“As I speak, legal proceedings have been finalised and they will be arraigned in court without delay. We will go after anyone, planner or executor who attacks any community in Nigeria.
Similarly, on June 22, 2025, a heartbreaking incident occurred in Mangu, Plateau State, where a bus conveying passengers from Zaria was stopped and attacked by a mob.
“Tragically, nine of the passengers were murdered and three sustained injuries before our teams could intervene and rescue the remaining 22 victims.
“So far, 22 suspects have also been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence. These two will face the full force of the law in court.
“Again, yesterday, June 23, 2025, another ugly incident was recorded in Benue State, where two persons travelling in a truck were killed at Agan area, North Bank, Makurdi.
“Five persons connected to this crime have also been arrested and will also be made to face the full weight of the law.”