The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the arrest of 26 individuals suspected to be behind the deadly attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which claimed 47 lives and displaced thousands.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP said law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing other suspects linked to the massacre.
“We are on the heels of other suspects who participated in the Yelwata killings,” Egbetokun said, assuring Nigerians that the police are not overwhelmed by the security challenges.
He revealed that the police are intensifying efforts to mop up illegal arms and light weapons, many of which are believed to be in the possession of unauthorized individuals. The police, he said, are also stepping up border patrol operations to curb the inflow of irregular migrants into the country.
Egbetokun disclosed that all 26 suspects will soon be arraigned, alongside 22 others arrested in Jos in connection with the brutal killing of nine individuals en route to a wedding in Quanpan, Plateau State.
He further clarified that a total of 28 people were initially taken into custody in connection with the Yelwata attack, but two were later cleared after it was determined they were used as bait to apprehend the actual masterminds.
Earlier on Sunday, a joint security task force in Benue State had announced the arrest of several suspects linked to the Yelwata killings. However, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, did not disclose their identities at the time.
The arrests follow a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who last Wednesday ordered the immediate apprehension of those responsible for the bloodshed during his visit to Benue.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” Tinubu had charged the IGP.
Addressing the service chiefs and intelligence agencies, the president added:
“Christopher (the Chief of Defence Staff), you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush.
Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”
Last week’s attack, allegedly carried out by armed herders, devastated the agrarian Yelwata community in Benue, a state known for its rich agricultural production.
