.... 53 Suspects Arrested, 47 killed, 27 sustained vaious injuries and hundred others displaced in Benue, Plateau Attacks
The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun has affirmed that Nigeria Police Force is not helpless, Nigeria is not hopeless, adding that criminals may have struck, but Nigeria Police Force will strike back - with the full force of the law. "We are not retreating. We are advancing. And we will not stop until every Nigerian can sleep with both eyes closed."
The IGP disclosed this on Tuesday at a media briefing in Abuja when he revealed the total number of suspects arrested im commection to Benue and Plateu attacks.
He said that 53 suspected persons directedly connected to Yelewata town in Guma Local Government Area, killings of travellers in Mangun, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and attacked the Agan and Abagena communities in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in fatalities.
At Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, attack, the invaders rampaged and pillaged the Community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and peoples means of livelihood. It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community.
He confirmed that in this senseless and barbaric attack, forty-seven (47) persons were confirmed killed, twenty-seven (27) persons sustained various degrees of injuries, and hundreds of others have been displaced but not dead.
He noted that the police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources including deployment of tactical units and Special Forces to restore confidence in the affected community and neighbouring communities.
He said that immediately deployed were detectives from our Intelligence Response Team (IRT) who swung into action launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime. I am pleased to inform you today that twenty-six (26) persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered.
On 19th June, two (2) prime suspects who were masterminds of the attack were apprehended from their hideout. This arrest led to the arrest of seven (7) other suspects on the following day, 20/06/ 25, picked up from various locations where they had fled hoping to evade justice. On 21st June, another key suspect in whose house the initial meetings to plan the attack was held was arrested.
On 22nd June, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of eighteen (18) other suspects who directly took part in the killings. On 23rd June, our detectives recovered two (2) GPMG and eight (8) AK47 rifles which were part of the weapons used during the attack.
The IGP confirmed that all 26 suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in the attack. As I speak, legal proceedings are being finalized, and they will be arraigned in court without delay.
Similarly, on the 22nd of June, 2025, a heartbreaking incident occurred in Mangu, Plateau State, where a bus conveying passengers from Zaria was stopped and attacked by a mob.
Tragically, nine (9) of the passengers were murdered, and three (3) sustained injuries before our teams could intervene and rescue the remaining twenty-two (22) victims.
He stressed that so far, twenty-two (22) suspects have also been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence. They too will face the full wrath of the law in court.
Again, yesterday 23/06/2025, another ugly incident was recorded in Benue where two (2) persons traveling in a truck were killed at Agan Area, North Bank, Makurdi. Five (5) persons connected to the incident have so far been arrested and will also be made to face the full wrath of the law.
"We will go after anyone – planner or executor – who attacks any community in Nigeria. We will leave no stone unturned until every single individual responsible for the killing of innocent Nigerians is arrested and brought to justice.
IGP Egbetokun unequivocally condemned the recent spate of violence across our nation. This is not who we are. Violence is not the answer.
He called on all Nigerians - regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background - to choose peace, embrace dialogue, and work together for the unity and prosperity of our country.
The IGP also called on all communities across Nigeria to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative. The security agents deployed to your communities are there to protect you. Work with them. Share information. Stay calm. Together, we will overcome these dark forces.
"I must acknowledge that the breakthroughs we have recorded - both in Benue and Plateau States - would not have been possible without the strong collaboration and synergy among all security agencies. The Nigeria Police Force continues to work hand-in-hand with the military, DSS, NSCDC, and other partners in the pursuit of one common goal: to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian citizen.
"Our commitment to inter-agency cooperation remains firm and unshaken.
Let the world know that Nigeria will not bow to terror. Our people will not be silenced by fear.
The Nigeria Police Force will continue to work with other security agencies and indeed with all law-abiding citizens of this great country to hunt down every perpetrator of violence against our people - wherever they may be hiding. There is no hiding place. Not in Benue. Not in Plateau. Not anywhere in this country.