Authorities in Benue State have confirmed the arrest of suspects connected to the recent deadly attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area. The assault, carried out last week by gunmen suspected to be herders, left several people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes, reigniting concerns over rural security.
The announcement came from the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, during a Sunday press briefing. Although the identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, Emenari confirmed that the arrests were made by joint security services operating across the state.
This development follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Benue last Wednesday, where he charged Nigeria’s security chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) with arresting those behind the heinous act. Expressing frustration over the insecurity in rural areas, the President made a passionate appeal to security agencies to act swiftly.
At the briefing, Emenari credited Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support as crucial to the progress made. He also confirmed that the special deployment ordered by IGP Kayode Egbetokun had arrived in the state and was already stationed across rural communities to strengthen policing and intelligence gathering.
He urged landlords and hotel owners to be vigilant by profiling tenants and visitors, helping to prevent criminals from finding refuge in the state. He emphasized that cooperation between residents and law enforcement is key to preventing future attacks.
During his visit, President Tinubu demanded answers. “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” he said, addressing the IGP directly.
He commended the military and intelligence agencies for their commitment but urged them not to relent. Addressing the Chief of Defence Staff and heads of intelligence agencies, Tinubu emphasized the need for actionable intelligence to prevent future violence. “Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”
The Yelwata attack is one of the latest in a string of violent episodes that have plagued parts of Benue in recent years. With these arrests, there is renewed hope among residents that justice will be served and peace restored.
