53 suspects arrested over Benue, Plateau killings to be arraigned – IGP
53 suspects arrested over Benue, Plateau killings to be arraigned – IGP
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday disclosed that at least 53 suspects have been apprehended in connection with the recent deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states. The violent incidents resulted in numerous fatalities and left many others injured or displaced.
This is as he said the suspects would be arraigned in court without delay for their roles in the brutal attacks.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP described the June 13 massacre in the Yelewata community of Benue State as a “coordinated attack of terror.”
He said 26 were arrested for the attack in Yelewata, 22 suspects in connection with the Plateau incident and another five in Benue for a more recent attack in Makurdi.
He stated that 47 persons were killed and 27 were injured in the Yelewata attack, adding that two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles used in the attack were recovered.
Egbetokun said, “As we all recall, on June 13, 2025, between the hour of 23.30 and the hour of 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.”
He added, “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.”
Explaining how the suspects were arrested, Egbetokun said two prime suspects were nabbed on June 19 from their hideout, adding that the prime suspects helped the police to arrest seven other suspects.
He said, “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. 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.”
Egbetokun said all the 26 suspects arrested in connection with the Yelewata attack were in custody and had confessed to the crime.
He said, “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.”
The IGP also disclosed that 22 persons have been arrested in connection with the June 22 mob attack in Mangu, Plateau State.
Passengers travelling from Zaria in Kaduna State for a wedding were brutally killed.
He said, “Similarly, on June 22, 2025, a heart-breaking 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 rights of the law in court.”
The police boss further revealed the arrest of five persons in Makurdi, Benue State capital, for their alleged involvement in the killing of two truck travellers in the Agan area on June 23.
Egbetokun said, “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.”
Decrying the trends of reprisals in the country, the IG warned that the police would leave no stone unturned to arrest perpetrators.
He called on Nigerians to reject violence and embrace peace regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations.
Egbetokun said, “The recent trend of repressor killings, where innocent citizens are murdered in retaliation for crimes committed by others, is barbaric, senseless, and dangerous. It does not bring justice.
“We will go after anyone, planner or executor, who attacks any community in Nigeria. We will leave no stone unturned until justice is served.”
Egbetokun also assured Nigerians that the police were ramping up efforts to overcome current security challenges using modern technology, especially in hard-to-reach areas across the country.
He acknowledged the frustration often expressed by the public when security breaches occurred but called for a better understanding of the difficult terrain in which security agencies operate.
Egbetokun said, “Yes, I’m aware that it’s okay to blame security when things happen. It’s okay.
“But when we are blaming security agencies, let us not forget that the terrain is vast and some of these terrains are also difficult. Some with no access road, some are mountainous, and some with no telecommunication network. These are
challenges.
“I’m not saying this to make excuses. I’m only pointing it out so you understand that we’re fully aware of these limitations and are actively working to overcome them,” the Inspector General of Police stated.
He explained that it is not feasible to deploy personnel to every location due to the vast and scattered nature of the terrain.
“There are thousands of isolated communities spread across large areas, and it’s simply not possible to cover every square metre with manpower,” he said.
However, he emphasized that what cannot be covered with physical presence will be addressed using technology.
“Very soon, we’ll be able to monitor criminal activities in remote areas from our offices and respond in real time. That era is fast approaching. We’re working towards it, and it will be achieved during this administration,” he assured.
When asked about the security situation in Abuja, the IGP confidently responded, “Abuja is safe.”
