ABUJA, Nigeria — Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 26 individuals directly linked to the Friday, June 13, 2025, massacre in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The IGP, addressing journalists on Tuesday, July 24, 2025, described the invasion as a “senseless and barbaric attack” that left homes razed, properties destroyed, and hundreds displaced.
“It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community,” Egbetokun said.
“The invaders rampaged and pillaged the community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other property and people’s means of livelihood.”
According to Egbetokun, two of the attackers were killed during a shootout at the Yelwata Police Station on the night of the assault, as law enforcement officers attempted to repel the raid.
Egbetokun praised the rapid deployment of tactical units and detectives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), which led to the apprehension of 26 suspects.
“On June 19, two prime suspects who masterminded the attack were arrested at their hideout,” he said.
“Their arrest led to the apprehension of seven more suspects the following day from various locations where they had fled to avoid capture.”
He confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court without delay, as legal proceedings are being finalised.
The IGP also revealed arrests in connection with another deadly incident that occurred on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Mangu, Plateau State, where a mob attacked a bus traveling from Zaria.
Nine passengers were killed, three were injured, and 22 others narrowly escaped with their lives.
“So far, 22 suspects have been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence,” Egbetokun disclosed.
“They too will face the full wrath of the law in court.”
In a related development, Egbetokun condemned another incident in Benue State on Monday, where two truck passengers were killed in the Agan area of North Bank, Makurdi.
“Five suspects connected to the incident have so far been arrested and will also be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he added.
The IGP issued a stern warning against jungle justice, reprisal killings, and mob violence, calling them a threat to Nigeria’s social order and the rule of law.
“Let me use this opportunity to issue a stern warning: Jungle justice, mob action, and taking laws into your own hands have no place in a civilized society,” he said.
“Every Nigerian has the right to life and a fair trial. We will not tolerate any individual or group who attempts to be judge, jury, and executioner.”
Egbetokun described the wave of retaliatory violence as “dangerous and senseless,” urging Nigerians to resist being drawn into cycles of vengeance that only perpetuate hatred and instability.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to work with other security agencies and all law-abiding citizens to hunt down every perpetrator of violence against our people, wherever they may be hiding,” he concluded.
