Suspects in Yelwata Killings Arraigned by FG in Benue

The Federal Government on Monday charged nine people involved to the June 2025 massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where dozens were killed and hundreds displaced.

It wasp reported that the accused were hauled before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and are facing a 57-count charge.

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

The charges were read to the accused through an interpreter as the proceedings got underway, and the courtroom was well guarded.

The accused are being charged with several offenses by the Federal Government, including murder, terrorism, and illicit possession of firearms.

Ahead of the court hearing, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) underlined its commitment to seeking 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.

The arraignment, he continued, came after a “painstaking investigation and collaboration” with pertinent security and judicial sector organizations.

The attack on the Yelwata village in June 2025 by unidentified gunmen killed dozens dead and displaced several others. The carnage provoked widespread criticism and large protests across Benue State and abroad.

Following the murders, President Tinubu urged security forces to “go after the masterminds” during a visit to Makurdi, the state capital.

“I hope your personnel are alert and paying attention to information, police. How come no arrest has been made? During a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue Government House, Tinubu stated, “I anticipate that those criminals should be arrested.”