Confusion Trails Arrest Figures After Police IG Announces 28 Suspects Arrested in Deadly Benue Attack [VIDEO]

 

Authorities in Nigeria are scrambling to respond to the growing outrage following the massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, where at least 47 lives were lost in a brutal assault that also left many injured and displaced hundreds. The attack, described by security agencies as a coordinated act of terror, has drawn sharp criticism from the public and top government officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

On Tuesday, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun confirmed the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in the massacre, labeling them as “direct participants and masterminds.” He addressed the media at Force Headquarters in Abuja, where the press briefing was streamed live via the Nigerian Police Force’s official Facebook page.

According to Egbetokun, the police have taken into custody a total of 28 suspects. However, confusion clouded his announcement as he stated at one point that 26 persons had been arrested in direct connection with the attack. Despite this inconsistency, he provided a detailed timeline outlining the arrests that, when tallied, amounted to 28 individuals.

A deeper look into the police timeline highlights the arrests that began on June 19, 2025, with the capture of two key suspects described as the attack’s masterminds. The following day, June 20, law enforcement operatives apprehended seven more individuals believed to have been part of the plot. Another crucial suspect was captured on June 21, one who reportedly hosted the initial meeting to plan the deadly assault. By June 22, a major breakthrough was achieved as 18 additional suspects, identified as active participants in the killings, were arrested. On June 23, police recovered two general-purpose machine guns linked to the attack.

Despite these developments, the contradictory figures in the Inspector-General’s own remarks have not gone unnoticed. His assertion that 26 suspects were "directly connected" to the case does not align with the documented arrest of 28 individuals. Whether the discrepancy stems from differences in legal classifications or internal reporting remains unclear.

Reactions from the highest level of government have been swift and unsparing. President Tinubu, during a recent visit to Benue State, voiced his frustration over the prolonged failure of security agencies to curb the violence plaguing the region. Addressing a gathering of security stakeholders, Tinubu questioned why no suspects had been apprehended earlier, especially considering the repeated nature of the attacks.

The President’s comments came during a high-stakes security meeting that included key national figures. Attendees included the Inspector-General of Police himself, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Tinubu did not mince words as he called on security chiefs to rise to their responsibilities. He instructed them to act swiftly in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those behind the violent campaign that has led to the deaths of hundreds over the past months and displaced thousands more. His tone reflected a broader sentiment of national frustration as communities in Benue continue to suffer under the weight of targeted violence.

The President’s demand for immediate and transparent action has placed Nigeria’s security architecture under renewed scrutiny. Many civil society groups and local leaders in Benue have long decried what they view as a culture of impunity surrounding such attacks. While the recent arrests mark a critical step in law enforcement's response, the demand for justice and long-term solutions remains as urgent as ever.

Families displaced from their homes in Yelewata are still seeking refuge and assistance, as humanitarian agencies work to provide shelter and care. Survivors continue to recount harrowing tales of the night the attackers struck, describing how entire households were wiped out within hours. The emotional and psychological toll on the affected communities is immeasurable.

The task before Nigeria’s security agencies now involves more than arresting suspects. They must also restore public confidence, clarify conflicting reports, and ensure that justice is served swiftly and transparently. For the people of Benue, the hope remains that this latest show of force is not just a temporary measure, but the beginning of a real and sustained effort to put an end to the violence.