By Rejoice Peterside
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 53 suspects linked to a wave of coordinated killings in Benue and Plateau states, including the massacre of wedding guests and other violent incidents.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, IGP Egbetokun revealed that 26 individuals directly involved in the June 13 attack on Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State have been apprehended. According to him, 47 people were confirmed dead and 27 injured in the attack, which he described as “a coordinated act of terror.”
He said the armed militias stormed the community between 11:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., killing indiscriminately, setting homes ablaze, and destroying livelihoods. Police operatives responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a gunfight during which two of the bandits were neutralized.
“Following the deployment of tactical units and detectives from our Intelligence Response Team, 26 suspects connected to the killings have been arrested. They have confessed to their roles and weapons used in the attack have been recovered,” the IGP stated.
Among the recovered items are two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and eight AK-47 rifles. Egbetokun said legal processes are being finalized and the suspects will be charged to court without delay.
In a separate but related incident, the IGP disclosed that 22 suspects have also been arrested over the gruesome mob killing of nine passengers in Mangu, Plateau State, on June 22. The passengers, who were travelling from Zaria, were attacked after their bus was stopped. Three others sustained injuries while 22 victims were rescued by security agents.
Additionally, five individuals have been arrested for the June 23 murder of two people travelling in a truck at Agan Area, North Bank, Makurdi.
Egbetokun strongly condemned the rise in mob justice and reprisal attacks across the country, warning that such acts threaten national unity and security.
“Let me issue a stern warning: jungle justice, mob action, and taking the law into your own hands have no place in a civilised society. Violence is not the answer. Every Nigerian has the right to life and a fair trial,” he said.
He urged communities to support security agencies, share information, and resist retaliation, noting that reprisal attacks only deepen cycles of violence.
The IGP commended the synergy between the police and other security agencies including the military, DSS, and NSCDC, which he said played a critical role in the arrests. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for the logistical and moral support given to security forces in their quest to ensure justice and peace.
“Our commitment to restoring order and bringing perpetrators to justice is unwavering. We will leave no stone unturned,” he assured.
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