The Benue State Police Command has arrested one suspect in connection with the June 13 raid on Yelwata Community, Guma Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of 47 civilians and four security personnel.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is under interrogation and has supplied investigators with “useful information,” Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Enemari told reporters at the command headquarters on Friday.
According to Commissioner Enemari, the incident began when gunmen assaulted a police station in nearby Daudu. Officers exchanged fire, killing two of the attackers.
“While we were responding to the Daudu attack, another group of assailants invaded Yelwata and carried out a deadly raid,” he said.
The Commissioner confirmed that casualties among security forces include two soldiers, one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, and one civil protection guard. One police officer is still missing.
Initial reports of 45 civilian fatalities were revised after a nun reported discovering an additional body behind St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Eight critically injured survivors were taken to hospital, where two later died, bringing the civilian death toll to 47. Two of the attackers were also killed.
To prevent further violence, Enemari said, “security has been reinforced in Yelwata and surrounding communities,” with the deployment of mobile police units, tactical teams, and military support. Operations have also been extended to other vulnerable areas along the axis.
When asked about Governor Hyacinth Alia’s earlier statement that 59 bodies had been recovered, the Commissioner insisted his figures were based on first-hand assessments. “I am presenting what I personally observed on the ground, alongside the community youth leader and other security agencies,” he said.
Enemari also addressed the aftermath of a protest by youths in Makurdi calling for justice over the Yelwata killings. Although peaceful demonstrations are constitutionally protected, he said the protest was “hijacked by hoodlums” who stopped a fuel tanker, set it ablaze and trapped its driver inside, resulting in homicide charges. Fourteen suspects have been arrested and will be charged to court.
On collaboration with neighbouring Nasarawa State, Enemari confirmed ongoing intelligence-sharing and joint operations, but declined to elaborate pending further investigations.
He also dispelled rumours of arrests in Ushongo LGA and Gyado Villa, Makurdi, where suspected Fulani herders were detained. “Investigations revealed they were ordinary travellers with no criminal involvement,” he said. “We handle each case based on evidence and due process.”
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