By Joshua Uti
53 suspects held over Benue, Plateau killings to face charges – IG 25th June 2025
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, stated that no fewer than 53 suspects have been taken into custody in connection with recent violent clashes in Benue and Plateau states. These clashes resulted in numerous fatalities and left several others injured or displaced,Speaking to journalists in the nation’s capital, the police chief described the June 13 bloodshed in the Yelewata community of Benue State as “coordinated violence of terror.” Twenty-six individuals were detained for the Yelewata incident, 22 suspects in connection with the Plateau incident, and five others in Benue for a more recent clash in Makurdi.
Egbetokun reported that 47 people lost their lives, 27 sustained injuries, and hundreds were displaced in the Yelewata incident. Two general-purpose machine guns and eight rifles used in the attack were recovered. The police chief emphasized that the suspects would face legal proceedings without delay for their roles in the brutal attacks.”On June 13, 2025, between 23:30 and 23:40, two groups invaded the Eluwata community, killing and harming anyone in sight. The invaders pillaged and set several houses on fire, destroying properties and livelihoods. It was coordinated violence of terror against the community,” Egbetokun said.
Forty-seven persons were confirmed killed, 27 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, while hundreds of others have been displaced. The police and other security agencies responded with deployment of personnel and resources, including tactical units and special forces to restore confidence in the community.
Detectives launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Twenty-six persons directly connected to this crime have been detained, and their weapons recovered. Two prime suspects were apprehended on June 19 from their hideout, leading to the detention of seven other suspects.
Egbetokun disclosed that all 26 suspects detained in connection with the Yelewata incident were in custody and had confessed to the crime. Legal proceedings have been finalized, and they will face trial without delay,The police chief also revealed that 22 individuals have been detained in connection with the June 22 mob attack in Mangu, Plateau State. Passengers traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State for a wedding were brutally killed. Five other suspects were detained for their alleged involvement in a recent clash in Makurdi, Benue State.
“Highly volatile and emotionally charged security situations across the country,” the DHQ stated. While confirming its respect for citizens’ right to express concerns, the military urged stakeholders to engage constructively, verify information, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could worsen tensions or erode public trust.
The Defence Headquarters remains committed to working with communities, civil society organisations, and government institutions to secure justice, peace, and responsibility across Nigeria.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth, has commenced efforts to establish a peace committee, in line with a recent directive by President Bola to foster lasting peace and stability in the state. The initiative comes amid ongoing security and communal challenges in various parts of the state, particularly in areas affected by clashes between farmers and herders.
The President, who visited the state recently, had directed the governor to set up the committee. He urged the governor to champion the committee’s activities, which include federal officials and non-natives living in the state.
“Let’s meet in the nation’s capital. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I’m ready to invest in that peace. I ensure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” the President said.
“Traditional rulers, including the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, will be included in this peace committee. The governor of neighbouring state is here, let’s create synergy for peace, development, and prosperity.
The President wants the governor to form a committee with people from different backgrounds to help with peace efforts. The governor is already working on it.
When asked about the committee, the governor’s spokesperson said, “The governor is on it.” He didn’t want to say more. 
We heard that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation met with the top traditional leaders of Benue State to discuss ways to restore peace and security. This meeting was part of the efforts to follow the President’s directive to create a peace committee that will address the root causes of violence and work towards lasting peace.
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