The Inspector General of Police, Kayode , has announced the arrest of 53 suspects linked to a series of brutal attacks in Benue and Plateau States that claimed dozens of lives, left many injured, and displaced hundreds.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun described the June 13 massacre in the Yelewata community of Benue State as a “coordinated attack of terror,” which resulted in the deaths of 47 people and injuries to 27 others. The attackers, he said, rampaged through the community, setting houses ablaze and destroying livelihoods.
“In this senseless barbaric attack, 47 persons were confirmed killed, 27 sustained various degrees of injuries, and hundreds were displaced,” Egbetokun stated.
The police boss disclosed that 26 suspects had been arrested in connection with the Yelewata massacre. The suspects reportedly confessed to their roles in the attack, and a cache of weapons, including two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles, was recovered.
According to Egbetokun, the arrests followed the swift deployment of tactical units, special forces, and detectives from the Intelligence Response Team. He explained that two prime suspects were apprehended on June 19, leading to the arrest of several others in the days that followed. By June 23, 26 individuals were in custody.
“Legal proceedings have been finalised and the suspects will be arraigned without delay. We will go after anyone — planner or executor — who attacks any community in Nigeria,” he vowed.
The IGP also confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects in connection with the June 22 mob attack in Mangu, Plateau State, where nine passengers travelling from Zaria were killed and three others injured.
In a separate incident on June 23, five individuals were arrested in Makurdi, Benue State, for their alleged involvement in the murder of two truck travellers in the Agan area.
Egbetokun condemned the recent spate of reprisal killings across the country, warning that such actions are unlawful and will be met with justice. He called on Nigerians to reject violence and support peace initiatives regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
Speaking on the security challenges facing law enforcement, the IGP cited the vast and often inaccessible terrain in many parts of Nigeria as a major obstacle. However, he revealed plans to deploy advanced surveillance technology to monitor remote areas.
“Very soon, we will be able to sit in our offices and monitor criminal activities in far-flung areas of our communities. That time is coming, and it will happen under this administration,” he assured.
In response to concerns about safety in the Federal Capital Territory, Egbetokun simply stated, “Abuja is safe.”
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, blamed victims for the Yelewata killings. Describing such claims as “misleading” and “taken out of context,” DHQ maintained that Musa’s remarks were aimed at encouraging vigilance and collaboration with security agencies.
“General Musa remains committed to protecting all Nigerians and fostering civil-military cooperation,” said Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information.
On the political front, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has initiated steps to establish a peace committee, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive during a recent visit to the state. The committee is expected to include traditional rulers, non-indigenes, and federal officials, and will work to resolve long-standing conflicts, particularly between farmers and herders.
“The governor is on it already,” confirmed Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia.
Sources also revealed that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has met with key traditional rulers — the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, Agabaidu John — as part of ongoing consultations to restore peace and stability across Benue State.
President Tinubu has pledged federal support for the peace initiative, stating: “Let’s create that synergy for peace, development, and prosperity. I am ready to invest in that peace.”
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