Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has announced the arrest of 26 suspects linked to the deadly attack in Yelewata, Benue State, which took place on June 13.
The violent incident, which drew national outrage, resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, left many others injured, and caused the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Following the attacks, President Bola Tinubu criticized the police during a stakeholders’ meeting, expressing disappointment over their failure to promptly apprehend those responsible. The president stated he had expected arrests to have been made shortly after the tragedy.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on June 24, Egbetokun confirmed that the suspects will soon be charged in court. He also noted that the police have arrested 22 additional suspects in Jos in connection with the brutal killing of nine individuals en route to a wedding in Quanpan.
The IGP clarified that although 28 individuals were initially taken into custody, two have since been released after investigations revealed they were used as bait to apprehend the actual 26 suspects believed to be the masterminds.
