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