Benue Massacre: FG Arraigns Yelwata Attack Suspects in Abuja Federal High Court

Months after deadly June assault, federal authorities move to ensure justice for victims of Guma LGA killings

📚 Get "Spend Less, Save More" — Click here

By Audu Bako, Abuja, Nigeria – February 2, 2026 – The Federal Government is set to arraign suspects over the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, months after gunmen killed scores and displaced hundreds. The suspects will appear before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

After Months of Investigation
Authorities said the arraignment follows a painstaking probe by multiple security and intelligence agencies. The June attack on Yelwata left the community reeling, prompting a coordinated investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of individuals linked to the coordinated assault.

FG Promises Justice for Victims
In a statement, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property. “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of lives and property of all Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution,” said Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Adviser to the AGF. He noted the prosecution is the result of extensive inter-agency collaboration.

President Tinubu Issues Stern Directive
Following the attack, President Tinubu personally visited Benue and directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators. “How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” he said at a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi.

📚 Get "Spend Less, Save More" — Click here

Security Chiefs Put on Notice
The President urged intelligence agencies, including the DG NIA and DG SSS, to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent a recurrence.

Governor Alia Advocates State Policing
Governor Hyacinth Alia renewed calls for community-based security structures and an intervention fund to protect vulnerable areas. “Community policing remains critical to ending recurring violence that threatens Benue’s status as Nigeria’s food basket,” he said.

A Signal to Criminal Networks
The Federal Government emphasized that the arraignment sends a strong warning: all criminal elements, “operating under any disguise,” will be identified, prosecuted, and punished.