Benue, Plateau Killings: We’ve Arrested 53 Suspects — IGP
 |
| The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun |
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 53 suspects linked to recent deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau States, which claimed dozens of lives and displaced many others.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Egbetokun disclosed that 26 individuals were apprehended in connection with the massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, while 22 were arrested for their roles in the Plateau incident. An additional five suspects were picked up in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to Daily Trust, the coordinated assaults across the two states left scores dead, injured, and homeless.
Detailing the Yelewata incident, Egbetokun said the attack occurred on June 13, 2025, between 11:30 and 11:40 p.m., when armed militias stormed the Eluwata community in Manuka Province, Benue State, killing 47 residents and injuring 27.
“The attackers went on a rampage — shooting, looting, and burning homes, deliberately destroying property and sources of livelihood,” he said. “It was an act of pure terror against a peaceful community.”
He noted that immediate deployment of tactical police units, special forces, and intelligence teams helped restore calm and launch a swift manhunt for the perpetrators.
“I’m pleased to inform you that 26 suspects directly involved in this heinous act have been arrested, and several weapons recovered,” the IGP stated.
Giving further insight, he said two ringleaders were captured on June 19, leading to the arrest of seven more suspects the next day.
“Another key suspect — the host of the meeting where the attack was planned — was arrested on June 21. The following day, 18 additional attackers were captured. On June 23, police recovered two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles used during the assault,” Egbetokun revealed.
He added that all 26 suspects are in custody and have confessed to their individual and collective roles in the attack.
“Legal procedures have been completed, and the suspects will be arraigned in court without delay. Anyone involved in attacking any Nigerian community — be it planner or executor — will face justice,” he vowed.
On the Plateau killings, Egbetokun said 22 people were arrested over a brutal mob attack on June 22, 2025, in Mangu, where a bus carrying passengers from Zaria was ambushed.
“Tragically, nine passengers were killed and three injured before our officers intervened and rescued 22 others,” he said. “Those arrested for this gruesome mob violence will also be prosecuted.”
The IGP also reported that five suspects had been arrested in connection with the June 23 killing of two truck drivers in the Agan area of Makurdi.
“This incident involved two travelers who were murdered in cold blood. Five individuals linked to this act have been arrested and will face the full force of the law,” he stated.
Condemning the rising wave of reprisal killings, Egbetokun warned that such actions are dangerous and undermine justice.
“The recent trend of retaliatory violence, where innocent citizens are killed for crimes committed by others, is not only barbaric and senseless but deeply troubling. It must stop,” he declared. “We urge all Nigerians to shun violence and embrace peace, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.”
.jpeg)
Leave Comments
Post a Comment