FG Arraigns Suspects Over Yelwata Killings In Benue

The Federal Government on Monday arraigned nine suspects linked to the June 2025 massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where scores were killed and hundreds displaced.

Naija News reports that the suspects were brought before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and are facing a 57-count charge.

The arraignment was led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Proceedings commenced with the charges being read to the accused persons through an interpreter, with a heavy security presence around the court premises.

The Federal Government is pressing multiple counts against the suspects relating to murder, terrorism, and unlawful possession of arms, among others.

Ahead of the court appearance, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) reiterated its commitment to securing justice for the victims.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of all as enshrined in the constitution,” read a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the AGF.

He added that the arraignment followed a “painstaking investigation and collaboration” among relevant security and justice sector agencies.

The attack on the Yelwata community in June 2025 by unidentified gunmen left dozens dead and displaced several others. The carnage triggered widespread condemnation and mass protests across Benue State and beyond.

In the aftermath of the killings, President Tinubu visited the state capital, Makurdi, where he ordered security agencies to “go after the masterminds”.

“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,” Tinubu had said during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue Government House.