The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 28 suspects believed to be the masterminds behind the killings in Yelwata, Benue State.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP said police are also pursuing other suspects involved in the attack that claimed 47 lives.
Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the police remain in control and are actively confiscating illegally acquired light and small weapons.
He added that border patrols have been intensified to curb the influx of irregular migrants into the country.
The IGP confirmed that the arrested suspects will soon be arraigned in court, including 22 individuals apprehended in Jos over the brutal murder of nine people traveling to a wedding in Quanpan.
Clarifying the arrests, Egbetokun noted that two of the 28 individuals detained were cleared, having been used as bait to capture the remaining 26 alleged masterminds.
On Sunday, joint security forces in Benue State announced the arrests related to the Yelwata attack, though the state Police Commissioner, Emenari Ifeanyi, withheld the suspects’ identities.
The arrests follow President Bola Tinubu’s directive during his visit to Benue last Wednesday, urging service chiefs and the IGP to swiftly apprehend those responsible.
“Police, I expect arrests of those criminals. Your men should be on alert for information,” Tinubu stated.
He further commended the military and security agencies, urging continuous intelligence efforts to prevent future attacks.
Last week, gunmen, reportedly herders, attacked the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, killing many and displacing thousands.
