FG to arraign suspects over Yelwata killings today

The Federal Government has confirmed that individuals arrested in connection with the brutal killings in Yelwata, Benue State, will be arraigned in court on Monday.

The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.

According to the statement, the suspects will appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja after what the government described as “after a painstaking investigation and collaboration by government agencies.”

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to assure Nigerians that justice will be ensured in the matter, to send a strong signal to the enemies of the country acting under any disguise,” the statement said.

The release, signed by the AGF’s media aide, Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele, also reaffirmed the commitment of the current administration, noting that “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of the lives and property of all, as enshrined in the Constitution.”

The Yelwata massacre occurred in June 2025 in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attacks reportedly began late on June 13, 2025, and continued into the early hours of June 14, when suspected armed herdsmen carried out coordinated assaults on homes, a local market and a Catholic mission in the area.

Several houses were set ablaze, victims were gruesomely mutilated, and the assailants reportedly engaged security personnel in gun battles.

Unofficial figures indicate that over 100 persons were killed during the violence, while about 3,000 residents were displaced from their homes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier denounced the killings and ordered security and law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible and ensure they face prosecution.