The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the arrest of 28 individuals linked to the recent deadly attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which claimed the lives of 47 people.
Speaking at a press briefing held in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP stated that the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated police operation targeting those behind the mass killing. He noted that the police are intensifying efforts to apprehend additional suspects still at large.
“The Nigeria Police Force has so far arrested 28 individuals in connection with the Yelewata attack,” Egbetokun announced. “Out of these, 2 have been cleared after investigations confirmed they were used as bait to lure the real perpetrators into custody. That leaves 26 prime suspects in our custody.”
The IGP also used the platform to assure Nigerians of the Force’s ongoing commitment to public safety, revealing that security agencies are scaling up border surveillance in light of intelligence reports suggesting possible infiltration by irregular migrants.
“We are boosting our border patrols to prevent illegal entry and safeguard communities, particularly in regions vulnerable to attacks and banditry,” he said.
The arrest comes after nationwide outrage and presidential condemnation of the attacks in Benue State, where heavily armed assailants raided farming communities, leaving dozens dead and many others displaced.
The IGP reaffirmed that the suspects will face the full weight of the law and stressed the police force’s zero tolerance for violence and terrorism.
“We will not rest until all those responsible are brought to justice. The people of Benue, and indeed Nigerians everywhere, deserve to live without fear,” he said.