53 suspects arrested over Benue, Plateau massacre - Newstrends
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53 suspects arrested over Benue, Plateau massacre

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53 suspects arrested over Benue, Plateau massacre

53 suspects arrested over Benue, Plateau massacre

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of 53 suspects in connection with the deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau States.

He said the attacks occurred between June 13 and June 23, 2025.

Egbetokun disclosed during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, less than a week after President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of killer herders responsible for the massacre, which occurred in Benue and Plateau states.

The IGP clarified that contrary to earlier reports of hundreds of fatalities, police investigations confirmed that 47 persons were killed, 27 sustained injuries, and hundreds were displaced, though not dead.

“As you will all recall, on June 13, 2025, armed militias invaded Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight,” Egbetokun said.

He described the incident as a coordinated and terror-fueled attack, marked by the burning of houses, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.

According to him, security agencies promptly deployed tactical teams, Special Forces, and Intelligence Response Teams (IRT) to restore calm and pursue the perpetrators.

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“I am pleased to inform you today that 26 persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered,” he added.

He explained that on June 19, detectives apprehended the masterminds of the attack from their hideout.

The following day, seven other suspects were tracked and arrested across various locations.

On June 21, police arrested a key suspect who allegedly hosted the initial planning meeting.

The breakthrough came on June 22 with the arrest of 18 more suspects directly involved in the killings.

He said, “Further investigations on June 23 led to the recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and eight AK-47 rifles believed to have been used in the assault.

“All 26 suspects are currently in police custody and, according to Egbetokun, have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in the killings. The police have concluded preparations for their arraignment in court”.

In a related development, the IGP also confirmed an incident in Mangu, Plateau State, on June 22, where a mob attacked a bus transporting passengers from Zaria.

The attack resulted in the murder of nine passengers, with three others injured. Police operatives intervened and rescued 22 surviving victims.

“So far, 22 suspects have also been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence.

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“They too will face the full wrath of the law in court,” the IGP stated.

Egbetokun also addressed the June 23 killing of two individuals travelling in a truck at Agan Area, North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State.

He said, “Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and will also be prosecuted”.

He condemned the surge in reprisal killings and mob justice, describing such actions as unlawful and dangerous to societal peace.

“Let me use this opportunity to issue a stern warning: Jungle justice, mob action, and taking the laws into your own hands have no place in a civilised society,” Egbetokun said.

He emphasised that every Nigerian is entitled to life and a fair trial, and warned individuals or groups against inciting or executing retaliatory violence.

“The recent trend of reprisal killings—where innocent citizens are murdered in retaliation for crimes committed by others is barbaric, senseless, and dangerous. It does not bring justice.

“It only fuels further hatred, inflames tension, and perpetuates the cycle of violence,” he added.

Reaffirming his commitment to law enforcement, the IGP pledged that all perpetrators of violence would be pursued and brought to justice.

He added, “We will go after anyone–planner or executor–who attacks any community in Nigeria. We will leave no stone unturned until every single individual responsible for the killing of innocent Nigerians is arrested and brought to justice.

“Let the world know that Nigeria will not bow to terror. Our people will not be silenced by fear. We are not retreating. We are advancing. And we will not stop until every Nigerian can sleep with both eyes closed.”

53 suspects arrested over Benue, Plateau massacre

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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.

According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.

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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.

Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.

The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah
Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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