Nigeria Police Arrest 28 Over Benue Killings

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 28 suspects linked to the recent killings in Yelwata, Benue State.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP said the suspects are believed to be behind the attack that left 47 people dead.

He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend others who took part in the violence.

Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the police are not overwhelmed by the recent security challenges, noting that a mop-up operation targeting illegal arms is underway across the country.

He also said police patrols along Nigeria’s borders have been intensified to stem the influx of arms and light weapons.

“On 19 June 2025, 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, 20.06.2025. They were picked up from various locations where they had fled, hoping to evade justice”.

“On 21 June, another key suspect, in whose house the initial meeting to plan the attack was held, was arrested. On 22 June, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of 18 other suspects, (2:08) who directly took part in the killings. And on 23 June, our detectives recovered two general purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles, which were part of the weapons used during the attack”.

“All suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in this incident. As I speak, legal proceedings have been finalized and they will be arraigned in court without delayWe will go after anyone, planner or executor, who attacks any community in Nigeria”.

In a related development, the IGP announced the arrest of 22 suspects over the killing of nine travellers in Jos, Plateau State.

The victims were on their way from Kaduna to Quanpan for a wedding when they were ambushed.