The Benue State police command has confirmed the arrest of one suspect in connection with the June 13 attack on Yelwata Community in Guma LGA of the state.
Speaking to journalists at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi, the State Commissioner of Police CP Ifeanyi Enemari, revealed that the suspect is currently under interrogation and has provided useful information to investigators.
The Commissioner reported that four security personnel — two soldiers, one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, and one civil protection guard — were killed in the attack, while one police officer remains missing.
According to Enemari, the incident began with an assault on a police station in Daudu, near Yelwata, where officers engaged the armed bandits in a gun battle, resulting in the death of two attackers.
He said while security forces were responding to the Daudu attack, another group of assailants reportedly invaded Yelwata, carrying out a deadly raid.
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Initial reports indicated 45 fatalities however a nun later informed him of an additional body discovered behind St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and eight critically injured victims were taken to the hospital, but two later succumbed to their injuries.
He said based on their records, the civilian death toll stands at 47, in addition to the two bandits killed during the exchange of fire.
The CP assured residents that security has been reinforced in Yelwata and surrounding communities, with deployments including mobile police units, tactical teams, and military support.
Adding that their operations extend beyond Yelwata to other vulnerable areas along the axis.
When questioned about the discrepancy between the police casualty figures and Governor Hyacinth Alia’s earlier report of 59 recovered bodies, Enemari maintained that his account was 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 stated.
Regarding the recent arrest of some youths protesting the Yelwata killings in Makurdi, Enemari revealed that while peaceful protesters are constitutionally protected, the demonstration was hijacked by hoodlums who committed criminal acts.
He explained that a fuel tanker was stopped, set ablaze, and its driver trapped inside, resulting in his death.
Noting that it constitutes homicide, not peaceful protest.
“Fourteen suspects have been arrested, and the case will be charged to court,” he said.
Enemari confirmed joint intelligence-sharing and operational synergy in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Police Command, but declined to provide further details pending investigations.
He also addressed reports of arrests in Ushongo LGA and Gyado Villa, Makurdi, where individuals suspected to be Fulani herders were detained.
The CP said investigations revealed that they were ordinary travellers with no criminal involvement.
“We handle each case based on evidence and due process,” the Commissioner emphasized
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
