Yelwata Killings: FG Arraigns 9 Suspects, Files 57-Count Terrorism Charges
The Federal Government on Monday arraigned nine suspects over their alleged involvement in the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 57-count charge bordering on terrorism and related offences.
Court proceedings were conducted with the assistance of an interpreter as the charges were read to the accused persons.
The prosecution is being led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, a move underscoring the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure justice for victims of the attack and to deter threats to national peace and security.
Earlier, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) assured Nigerians of a diligent and transparent prosecution of the suspects, describing the arraignment as a strong signal to criminal elements across the country.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the AGF on Media and Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Federal Government reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in line with the provisions of the Constitution.
According to the statement, the arraignment followed “painstaking investigations and sustained collaboration among relevant security and intelligence agencies.”
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The Yelwata attack, which occurred in June 2025, saw armed assailants storm the rural community, killing scores of residents and displacing hundreds. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and protests, prompting intensified security operations in the area.
Security agencies subsequently announced the arrest of several suspects in connection with the killings.
One of the survivors, Msurshima Apeh, later recounted her ordeal before the United States House Subcommittee on Africa, where she narrated the loss of her five children during the attack. Her testimony was delivered during a hearing examining the decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to return Nigeria to the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list in November 2026.
In the aftermath of the incident, President Tinubu visited Benue State and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and apprehend the masterminds behind the killings.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, the President expressed concern over delays in arrests and urged security operatives to act decisively to bring all those responsible to justice.
The Yelwata killings have further deepened concerns over persistent violence in Benue State, which has witnessed repeated attacks over the years, including the killing of political figures such as Igbabe Ochi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Assembly candidate during the 2019 general election.
By PRNigeria
