The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that 53 suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent deadly attacks on Yelewata community in Benue State and Plateau State. Here’s a breakdown of the arrests ¹:
26 suspects arrested, including masterminds and executors of the attack. Two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles were recovered. 22 suspects arrested in connection with the killings.
5 additional suspects arrested.
The attacks resulted in 47 deaths and 27 injuries in Yelewata, with hundreds displaced. The police confirmed that all 26 suspects arrested in connection with the Yelewata attack have confessed to the crime and are in custody, with legal proceedings finalized for their arraignment in court.
The arrests were made between June 19 and June 23, with key suspects apprehended from their hideouts and other locations.
Two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles were recovered, which were part of the weapons used during the attack.
The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources, including tactical units and special forces, to restore confidence in the affected communities.
The IGP emphasized that the police will pursue anyone involved in attacking communities in Nigeria, whether planners or executors. President Bola Tinubu had directed the IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately arrest the perpetrators, expressing concern over the initial lack of arrests.
