The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the arrest of 28 individuals suspected of orchestrating the recent killings in Yelwata, Benue State.
At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP revealed that police operatives are actively pursuing other suspects linked to the Yelwata massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 47 people.
He reassured Nigerians that the police remain in control, and are currently retrieving illegal light and small arms from unauthorised holders.
Egbetokun also stated that border patrols have been intensified to stem the influx of irregular migrants into the country.
He added that the arrested suspects would soon be charged in court, including 22 individuals apprehended in Jos in connection with the brutal killing of nine people en route to a wedding in Quanpan.
The IGP clarified that two of the 28 arrested had been cleared, having been used to lure the 26 suspected ringleaders.
On Sunday, Benue State’s joint security forces confirmed arrests linked to the Yelwata attack. However, Commissioner of Police Emenari Ifeanyi declined to disclose the suspects’ identities at the time.
These arrests follow President Bola Tinubu’s directive last Wednesday, ordering service chiefs and the IGP to track down those behind the atrocity.
During his visit to Benue, President Tinubu had urged the police to act decisively, saying: “How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals.”
He also encouraged military and intelligence chiefs to remain proactive, urging them to gather and act on credible intelligence to prevent further violence.
The Yelwata assault, allegedly carried out by armed herders in Guma Local Government Area, left dozens dead and thousands displaced from their homes.