Benue killings: Nigerian govt to arraign Yelwata massacre suspects Monday

The Federal Government has announced that suspects connected to the deadly attacks in Yelwata, Benue State, will be formally charged in court on Monday.

This was disclosed in a statement released to journalists on Sunday by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

According to the statement, the accused persons will be brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, following what it 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, signed by the media aide to the AGF, Mr. Kamarudeen Ogundele, further noted 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 killings took place in June 2025 in the Yelwata community, located in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The violence reportedly started late on June 13, 2025, and spilled into the early hours of June 14, when suspected armed herdsmen launched coordinated attacks on residential buildings, a local market, and a Catholic mission.

During the assault, houses were torched, victims were brutally mutilated, and the attackers exchanged gunfire with security operatives.

Reports indicate that more than 100 people lost their lives, while approximately 3,000 residents were forced to flee their homes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier condemned the massacre and directed security and law enforcement agencies to track down those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted.

Benue killings: Nigerian govt to arraign Yelwata massacre suspects Monday