The Nigeria Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has affirmed the arrest of 28 people suspected to be behind the deadly Yelwata killings that claimed 47 lives in Benue.
During a press briefing in Abuja, the IGP said the police are still tracking down other suspects. He assured Nigerians the force is not overwhelmed, and efforts are ongoing to recover illegal weapons and secure borders against irregular migrants.
Out of the 28 arrested, 2 were cleared—used as bait to catch 26 key suspects. The police also arrested 22 others in Jos in connection with the murder of 9 people heading for a wedding in Quanpan, Plateau State.
These arrests follow President Tinubu’s direct order last week, urging security heads to bring the killers to justice after visiting Benue. He charged the police and military to “keep ears to the ground” and end the bloodsheds.
Gunmen, confirmed to be Fulani herders, had attacked Yelwata in Guma LGA last week, leaving Hundreds dead and thousands displaced.Tap Here to See how Herdsmen killed over 200 people in Benue earlier.
Recall that President Tinubu held a meeting with stakeholders and senior security officials, raising concerns over the ongoing violence and the absence of any arrests.
He specifically questioned the lack of progress, directing his remarks at the heads of the nation’s leading security and intelligence bodies.
In attendance at the meeting were Egbetokun; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, among others.
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