By Benue and Plateau Attacks
Police arrest 53 suspects
Summary
- Inspector General of Police confirms 53 arrests linked to killings in Yelewata, Mangu, and Makurdi
- 26 suspects apprehended for June 13 Yelewata massacre that left 47 dead and over 100 displaced
- Police vow swift prosecution and intensified efforts to curb reprisal killings and armed violence
Abuja, Nigeria — The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on June 24, 2025, announced the arrest of 53 suspects in connection with recent deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states.
The arrests follow a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who condemned the escalating violence and demanded urgent action from security agencies.
Among the most horrific incidents was the Yelewata massacre in Benue State on June 13. Egbetokun described it as a “coordinated attack of terror” on the Guma Local Government Area, resulting in 47 deaths, 27 injuries, and the displacement of over 100 residents.
The police arrested 26 primary suspects and recovered two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles believed to have been used in the assault. Although 28 individuals were initially detained, two were later cleared, having been used to lure the main culprits.
In Plateau State, a mob attack on June 22 in Mangu led to the death of nine passengers and injury to three others when a bus traveling from Zaria was ambushed. Police intervened to rescue 22 survivors, and 22 suspects have since been arrested and are awaiting prosecution.
A third incident occurred in Makurdi, Benue State, on June 23, when two truck travelers were killed in the Agan area of North Bank. Five suspects were arrested in connection with that attack.
Condemning the wave of reprisal killings and mob justice, IGP Egbetokun labelled the acts as “barbaric, senseless, and dangerous.” He emphasized the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to prosecuting all offenders and intensifying border patrols to stem irregular migration and the flow of illegal arms.
“These attacks are not just crimes against individuals but threats to national peace and unity,” Egbetokun said.
He assured the public that all suspects will be charged in court soon and that investigations are ongoing to identify additional perpetrators.
The IGP’s briefing addressed public concerns, especially following widespread but exaggerated reports that the Yelewata death toll had exceeded 100. He clarified that the confirmed figure stands at 47 fatalities, based on police investigation and credible sources.
The coordinated arrests signal a stronger stance by security forces in response to President Tinubu’s call for justice and a safer Nigeria.
