IGP Confirms Arrest Of 26 Suspects Over Yelewata Massacre That Killed 47 In Benue

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 26 suspects in connection with the recent massacre in the Yelewata community of Benue State, where 47 villagers were killed.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP said police operatives also neutralized two of the attackers, while over 100 residents were displaced as a result of the violence.

Egbetokun disclosed that most of the suspects were apprehended on June 22, 2025, during targeted operations following the attack.

In a related development, the IGP revealed that:

• 22 suspects have also been arrested in connection with the killing of nine travellers in Plateau State, and
• Five others were apprehended over the murder of two individuals in Benue earlier this week.

The arrests come just days after President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate apprehension of the armed herders responsible for the Yelewata killings, which sparked national outrage.

Meanwhile, in another statement that has drawn public attention, the IGP advised Nigerians not to report police misconduct on social media, urging citizens to use official complaint channels instead.