By HeadlineNews.news Investigative Team.
Abuja / Benue State | June 26, 2025 — In a decisive step toward restoring confidence in national security, the Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of 26 suspects connected to the June 13 massacre in Yelewata, Benue State. Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, speaking at a televised press briefing, confirmed that the suspects include the alleged masterminds behind the attack which claimed 47 lives, injured 27 and displaced hundreds .
Historical Context: Escalating Crises in Benue
Benue has endured a tragic escalation of communal violence. Past incidents—such as the April 2022 killings and earlier June attacks in Gwer West and Plateau—claimed dozens of lives and threatened regional stability .
In October 2024, Benue witnessed deadly herder-farmer clashes, claiming at least 20 lives. But the Yelewata attack—where gunmen reportedly burned victims alive in their homes and a market—hit national pain points, exemplified by graphic footage that echoed across social media and press outlets .
President Bola Tinubu, during a visit to Makurdi, demanded arrests within days—criticizing the lag in action . That directive now appears to be bearing fruit.
The Arrest Operation: From Masterminds to Militia Foot Soldiers
According to the IGP:
- Prime suspects – Two alleged key figures were arrested on June 19 in a hideout, leading to the arrest of seven others the following day.
- Expanded sweep – On June 22, an additional 18 suspects were detained in connection with the Yelewata massacre.
- Errors corrected – Initially, 28 were detained, but two were later cleared as bait informants .
- Weapons seized – Two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK‑47s were recovered, along with other arms .
- Further arrests – Related operations saw 22 suspects arrested in Jos for a Plateau wedding convoy massacre, and five more for separate Benue attacks .
- All suspects are due to be formally arraigned following ongoing investigations.
Analysis: A Turning Point for Law Enforcement
Cultural shift: The quick, coordinated arrest operation—with visible arms seizures—sends a strong message that impunity will no longer be tolerated.
Political impact: Following criticism from both the President and local leaders, the police response serves as evidence that the agency is capable, responsive, and willing to act.
Morale boost: For traumatised communities, seeing perpetrators in custody helps restore hope and faith in security institutions.
Wider Implications
Benue remains a microcosm of Nigeria’s multi-layered insecurity crisis: herder-farmer disputes, banditry, and militia violence. Arresting suspects and neutralising arms networks is essential—but must be paired with long-term strategies, including:
- Community policing and local intelligence sharing
- Socio-economic initiatives to address root grievances
- Justice and reconciliation efforts to heal fractured communities
Voices from the Frontlines
“These arrests show the police are taking their mandate seriously. We can see results.”
— Mrs. Rebecca Ilyo, Benue community leader
“The recovered weapons confirm that this wasn’t spontaneous violence—it was organised terror.”
— IGP Kayode Egbetokun, speaking during the briefing
Bottom Line
The arrest of 26 alleged perpetrators in the Yelewata massacre, along with additional suspects in Plateau attacks, marks a noteworthy improvement in Nigerian policing. It reflects a determined break from past inertia, showing that public order is being prioritised. While challenges persist, this swift action offers a much-needed foundation for rebuilding trust—and may mark a turning point in Nigeria’s battle against insecurity.
“The Nigerian Police have shown in Benue that justice is possible when there is will and resolve. Now is the time to replicate this in Plateau and other hotspots. No criminal network is stronger than a nation united by courage and law.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Governance & Perception Management Consultant.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report
Benue Breakthrough: Police Arrest 26 Suspects in Massacre Investigation
Benue State | June 26, 2025 – In a major security breakthrough, the Nigeria Police have arrested more than 26 suspects linked to the June 13 massacre in Yelewata, Benue State. The attack left 47 people dead, dozens injured, and entire families displaced.
Speaking at a televised briefing, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun confirmed the suspects include key planners and foot soldiers. Weapons including AK-47 rifles and machine guns were recovered. Additional arrests were made in Plateau State, where police detained 22 suspects for a similar attack.
The swift response follows mounting pressure from the presidency and Benue leaders, with citizens demanding accountability after years of repeated killings in the Middle Belt. This is one of the fastest and most coordinated arrests in recent history.
“These arrests show the police are taking their mandate seriously. We can see results.” — Rebecca Ilyo, community elder
“The Nigerian Police have shown in Benue that justice is possible when there is will and resolve. Now is the time to replicate this in Plateau and other hotspots.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR
Benue, long plagued by herder-farmer conflicts and militia violence, may finally be seeing a shift in momentum. Citizens are hopeful that this marks the beginning of a more proactive, results-driven policing era.
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