The number of suspects arrested in connection with the recent deadly attack in Yelwata village, Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State has risen to 23 following the arrest of 15 additional persons by operatives of the Nigeia Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Sources confirmed that the arrests were made on Saturday, June 22, as part of ongoing security operations ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apprehend those responsible for the massacre.
At least 100 persons were killed when armed assailants invaded Yelwata in one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the region this year.
The latest suspects arrested include Abdulsalam Mohammed, Dahiru Mohammed, Bako Jibril, Abubakar Isa, Abubakar Adamu, Umar Lawali, Bello Tukur, Musa Mohammed, Muazu Idris, Usman Suleman, Dauda Umar, Safiyanu Sani, Isa Yusufa, Babangida Usman, and Yakubu Mamman. They are currently undergoing preliminary interrogation.
Security forces comprising military, army and other agencies have continued coordinated operations across Yelwata and neighbouring communities to prevent further violence and ensure the perpetrators face justice.
A senior security official who confirmed the arrests said investigations are ongoing and more suspects may be apprehended in the coming days.
@Zagazola Makama
