Reported by Quest FMTV News
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Emenari Ifeanyi, has confirmed the arrest of suspects connected to the recent deadly attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area. The announcement was made during a press briefing on Sunday, although the identities of the suspects were not disclosed to the public.
This development comes in the wake of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s direct order last Wednesday, instructing the nation’s security chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to apprehend those responsible for the gruesome killings. During his visit to Benue, Tinubu expressed frustration over the lack of immediate arrests and demanded swift action from the country’s top security personnel.
“How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” the President told IGP Kayode Egbetokun. He also urged the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other top intelligence and military officials to intensify efforts in tracking down those behind the attacks. “We need to keep our ears to the ground, let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out,” Tinubu said.
Commissioner Emenari attributed the progress in the case to the support of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia. He noted that reinforcements deployed to the state by the IGP had arrived and were already stationed in rural communities to enhance security and prevent further violence.
Emenari also issued a call to landlords and hotel operators across the state to be vigilant and carry out thorough background checks on tenants and guests to avoid harboring criminal elements. “We must work together to deny terrorists any hiding place,” he said.
The Yelwata attack, allegedly carried out by suspected herders, left multiple residents dead and displaced thousands, adding to the growing humanitarian crisis in one of Nigeria’s most critical food-producing regions. The tragedy has reignited calls for more decisive and proactive measures to address insecurity in Benue and across the country.