IGP Egbetokun Announces Arrest of 28 Suspects Over Benue Massacre

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 28 suspects in connection with the recent deadly attacks in Benue State that left over 200 people dead.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun said the arrests followed an intensive operation by police operatives in the wake of the coordinated attacks on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of the state on June 13. The attacks claimed the lives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local farmers, sparking national outrage.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier criticised the police for their delay in apprehending suspects, describing the response as a “failure” during a stakeholders’ meeting convened after the attacks. The president said he expected arrests to have been made swiftly in the aftermath of the massacre.

Egbetokun, however, assured Nigerians that the police remain fully in control of the situation and are intensifying efforts to apprehend other suspects still at large. He added that operations are ongoing to confiscate illegal light and small arms from unauthorised individuals across the country.

“We are committed to restoring peace and order. Our border patrols have been strengthened to prevent the inflow of irregular migrants and illicit weapons into the country,” the IGP said.

He also revealed that 22 of the arrested suspects were apprehended in Jos, Plateau State, in connection with the killing of nine individuals who were travelling for a wedding in Quanpan Local Government Area. All suspects, he said, will be charged to court in the coming days.