The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed that no fewer than 53 suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent spate of deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states.
Egbetokun explained that 26 suspects were apprehended over the attack in Yelewata, Benue State, while 22 others were arrested in connection with the Plateau incident, with an additional five suspects nabbed for another crime in Benue.
According to Daily Trust, the attacks in both states claimed dozens of lives, leaving several others injured or displaced.
Addressing journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun disclosed that the Yelewata attack resulted in 47 deaths and 27 injuries.
The police boss also announced the recovery of two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles used during the attack.
“As we all recall, on June 13, 2025, between the hour of 23:30 and 23:40, two militias invaded the Eluwata community in the Manuka Province 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 properties of livelihoods.
“It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community. In this senseless barbaric attack, 47 persons were confirmed killed. 27 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, while hundreds others have been displaced but not dead.
“The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources, including the 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, who swung into action, launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
“I am pleased to inform you here today that 26 persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered,” Egbetokun stated.
Revealing how the arrests were made, the IGP explained that two prime suspects were captured on June 19 from their hideout, which led to the apprehension of seven others.
“On June 19, 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 June 2025. They were picked up from their previous locations, where they had fled, hoping to evade justice.
“On 21 June, another key suspect, in whose house the pressure meeting to plan the attack was held, was also arrested. On 22 June, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of 18 other suspects, who directly took part in the killings.
“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,” he added.
Egbetokun further stated that all 26 suspects linked to the Yelewata attack are in custody and have confessed to their involvement.
“All 26 suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in this attack.
“As I speak, legal proceedings have been finalised and they will be arraigned in court without delay. We will go after anyone, planner or executor, who attacks any community in Nigeria,” he warned.
The IGP also confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects connected to the mob attack in Mangu, Plateau State, where passengers traveling from Zaria were brutally murdered.
“Similarly, on 22 June, 2025, a heart-breaking incident occurred in Mangu, Plateau State, where a bus conveying passengers from Zaria was stopped and attacked by a mob.
“Tragically, nine of the passengers were murdered and three sustained injuries before our teams could intervene and rescue the remaining 22 victims.
“So far, 22 suspects have also been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence. These two will face the full rights of the law in court,” Egbetokun said.
The police chief also disclosed that five individuals were arrested in Makurdi, Benue State capital, for their alleged involvement in the murder of two truck travellers in the Agan area on June 23.
“Again, yesterday, 23 June, 2025, another ugly incident was recorded in Benue State, where two persons travelling in a truck were killed at Agan area, North Bank, Makurdi.
“Five persons connected to this crime have also been arrested and will also be made to face the full weight of the law,” he confirmed.
Decrying the increasing trend of reprisal attacks, Egbetokun issued a stern warning that the police would leave no stone unturned in tracking down and prosecuting perpetrators.
“The recent trend of repressor killings, where innocent citizens are murdered in retaliation for crimes committed by others, is barbaric, senseless, and dangerous. It does not bring justice.
“We will go after anyone, planner or executor, who attacks any community in Nigeria. We will leave no stone unturned until justice is served,” the police boss declared.