Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 26 individuals linked to the recent killings in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where 47 people were reportedly killed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP said police operatives are actively pursuing additional suspects involved in the deadly attack, which has left thousands displaced. He assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force remains capable and is intensifying efforts to rid communities of illegal light and small arms.
“We are not overwhelmed,” Egbetokun declared. “We are mopping up illicit weapons and strengthening our border patrols to prevent the influx of irregular migrants contributing to insecurity.”
The IGP also confirmed that 28 persons had initially been arrested, but two were later released after being identified as informants used to apprehend the key suspects.
He noted that the arrested suspects will be arraigned soon, including 22 individuals taken into custody in Jos, Plateau State, in connection with the killing of nine travellers en route to a wedding in Quanpan.
In response to mounting public pressure and President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive, Egbetokun reaffirmed the commitment of the police and other security agencies to swiftly bring all perpetrators to justice.
President Tinubu had visited Benue last Wednesday and publicly instructed the service chiefs and security heads to take decisive action. “Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” the President charged during the visit, expressing frustration over the lack of initial arrests.
The Benue State Police Command had earlier reported the apprehension of several suspects, though their identities were not disclosed at the time.
The Yelwata attack, widely believed to have been carried out by armed herders, has reignited national concerns over rural security and the persistent violence in agrarian communities.
