Mr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun the Inspector-General of Police in a media briefing explained that the Police have arrested twenty six suspects involved in the recent Killing at Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
He emphasized that despite the President's instructions, the police have already started looking for the killers. He reminded Nigerians that the on June 13th 2025 armed militias invaded Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight. The invaders rampaged and pillaged the Community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and peoples means of livelihood. It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community. In this senseless and barbaric attack, forty-seven persons were confirmed killed, twenty-seven persons sustained various degrees of injuries, and hundreds of others have been displaced but not dead.
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"The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources including deployment of tactical units and Special Forces to restore confidence in the affected community and neighbouring communities. Also immediately deployed were detectives from our Intelligence Response Team (IRT) who swung into action launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime. I am pleased to inform you today that twenty-six (26) persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered" Egbetokun said.
The Nigeria Police boss explained that on 19th June, two prime suspects who were masterminds of the attack were apprehended from their hideout. That the arrest led to the arrest of seven other suspects on the following day, 20/06/ 25, picked up from various locations where they had fled hoping to evade justice. On 21st June, another key suspect in whose house the initial meetings to plan the attack was held was arrested. On 22nd June, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of eighteen (18) other suspects who directly took part in the killings. On 23rd June, our detectives recovered two GPMG and eight AK47 rifles which were part of the weapons used during the attack.
He assured Nigerians that all the twenty-six suspects are currently in police custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in the attack. That legal proceedings are being finalized and they will be arraigned in court without delay.
"We will go after anyone – planner or executor – who attacks any community in Nigeria. We will leave no stone unturned until every single individual responsible for the killing of innocent Nigerians is arrested and brought to justice" Egbetokun assured Nigerians.
The Police Boss also enlightened the public on the recent heartbreaking incident that occurred in Mangu area of Plateau State, where a bus conveying passengers from Zaria was stopped and attacked by a mob and about nine of the passengers were murdered, and three sustained injuries before the police teams could intervene and rescue the remaining twenty-two victims.
That So far, twenty-two suspects have also been arrested in connection with the gruesome act of mob violence that they will soon face the full wrath of the law in court.
The Inspector General of Police explained the ugly incident that was recorded in Benue where two persons traveling in a truck were killed at Agan Area, North Bank, Makurdi. Though Five persons connected to the incident have so far been arrested and will also be made to face the full wrath of the law.
He also gave a stern warning that jungle justice, mob action, and Nigerians taking laws into own hands have no place in a civilized society that every Nigerian have the right to life and a fair trial. That the police will not tolerate any individual or group who attempts to be judge, jury, and executioner that those inciting violence and killing innocent Nigerians are warned to desist forthwith.
Egbetokun adviced Nigerians on the recent trend of reprisal killings—where innocent citizens are murdered in retaliation for crimes committed by others—is barbaric, senseless, and dangerous which does not bring justice but only fuels further hatred, inflames tension, and perpetuates the cycle of violence. He unequivocally condemn the recent spate of violence across the nation that violence is not the answer. He then call on all Nigerians - regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background - to choose peace, embrace dialogue, and work together for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
"I call on all communities across Nigeria to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative. The security agents deployed to your communities are there to protect you. Work with them. Share information. Stay calm. Together, we will overcome these dark forces. I must acknowledge that the breakthroughs we have recorded - both in Benue and Plateau States - would not have been possible without the strong collaboration and synergy among all security agencies. The Nigeria Police Force continues to work hand-in-hand with the military, DSS, NSCDC, and other partners in the pursuit of one common goal: to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian citizen. Our commitment to inter-agency cooperation remains firm and unshaken" he emphasized.
He appreciated Mr. President for providing the required support that facilitated the speedy arrest of the perpetrators of the Benue and Plateau massacres. He also thanked the Nigerian people for their continued cooperation. He then appealed for even greater collaboration as they work tirelessly to rebuild trust, restore order, and ensure lasting peace across the country.
"Let the world know that Nigeria will not bow to terror. Our people will not be silenced by fear. We are not helpless. Nigeria is not hopeless. These criminals may have struck, but we will strike back - with the full force of the law. We are not retreating. We are advancing. And we will not stop until every Nigerian can sleep with both eyes closed" the IGP said.
"The Nigeria Police Force will continue to work with other security agencies and indeed with all law-abiding citizens of this great country to hunt down every perpetrator of violence against our people - wherever they may be hiding. There is no hiding place. Not in Benue. Not in Plateau. Not anywhere in this country" Egbetokun concluded.
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