By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
TWEBTY-SIX individuals accused of orchestrating the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Benue State have been arrested following a major security sweep ordered by President Bola Tinubu.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun confirmed the arrests during a press briefing in Abuja, stating the suspects had confessed to their roles in the coordinated onslaught that claimed 47 lives in Guma Local Government Area on June 13, 2025.
The IGP clarified that 28 persons were initially apprehended, but two were later cleared after being used as bait to trace the masterminds.
He said police operatives had earlier engaged and killed some of the assailants after they launched an assault on a police station in the area, noting that the force remains actively deployed to intercept more suspects at large.
Border patrols have also been intensified to restrict the movement of irregular migrants and other armed elements.
During the attack, the armed group stormed the community between 11:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., setting houses ablaze and destroying property.
The IGP described the incident as a deliberate act of terror, confirming that the apprehended suspects would soon be arraigned in court.
In addition to the Yelwata arrests, 22 persons previously detained in Jos over the killing of nine travellers en route to a wedding in Quanpan will also face prosecution.
Legal processes are underway, and security agencies have pledged to track down every perpetrator.
President Tinubu had earlier demanded swift action from the nation’s security leadership, urging them to retool intelligence efforts and prevent further bloodshed.
The Commander-in-Chief had visited Benue following the killings, directing the arrest of all those responsible.
Police in Benue, backed by joint security forces, have maintained a presence in the region. Commissioner of Police Emenari Ifeanyi acknowledged the breakthrough but withheld the identities of those arrested during a state-level briefing.
The IGP reiterated the force’s commitment to justice, vowing relentless pursuit of anyone found to have played a role in the killings. “We will leave no stone unturned until every single individual responsible for the killing of innocent Nigerians is arrested and brought to justice,” he stated.
