BENUE SECURITY FORCES ARREST SUSPECTS OVER YELWATA ATTACK

The Benue State joint security services have announced the arrest of suspects linked to the recent attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, which left several people dead and thousands displaced. The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Emenari Ifeanyi, disclosed this during a press briefing on Sunday without revealing the identities of the suspects.

According to Emenari, the arrests were made possible through the support of Governor Hyacinth Alia. “The arrest would not have been possible without Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support,” he said. The police boss also confirmed that deployments ordered by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun have arrived in Benue and have been posted to rural communities to enhance policing efforts.

Emenari urged landlords and hotel owners to properly vet their tenants and clients to prevent the presence of terrorists in Benue. “We urge landlords and hotel owners to profile their tenants and clients to avoid the presence of terror in Benue,” he said.

The arrests follow President Bola Tinubu’s directive to service chiefs and the IGP to apprehend those behind the attack. During his visit to Benue last Wednesday, Tinubu charged security agencies to be proactive in arresting the perpetrators. “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.

Tinubu also emphasized the need for intelligence agencies to retool their information channels to prevent future attacks. “DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again,” he added.

The attack on Yelwata community, suspected to be carried out by herders, resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The exact number of fatalities remains disputed, with reports ranging from 47 to over 200 deaths. The security agencies have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring justice is served and preventing future attacks.