The Federal Government has confirmed that suspects arrested in connection with the recent killings in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, will be formally arraigned in court on Monday, February 2, 2026.
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This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Kamarudeen Ogundele.
According to the statement, the arraignment follows a painstaking investigation conducted through collaboration among several government agencies.
“Some suspects arrested and strongly linked to the killings in Yelwata, a town in Benue State, will be arraigned tomorrow, Monday, February 2, to answer for their crimes,” the statement read in part.
Ogundele disclosed that the suspects would be tried before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“They will be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after a painstaking investigation and collaboration by government agencies,” he said.
The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation assured Nigerians that justice would be served, stressing that the prosecution is aimed at sending a strong message to perpetrators of violence across the country.
“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 added.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the protection of lives and property across Nigeria, as guaranteed under the Constitution.
“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 statement concluded.
The Yelwata killings occurred in June 2025 and drew widespread condemnation from local and national stakeholders. The attack, which began late on June 13 and continued into the early hours of June 14, was linked to armed herdsmen who reportedly stormed the community, attacking homes, a market, and a Catholic mission.
During the assault, houses were set ablaze, several victims were mutilated, and gun battles reportedly occurred between the attackers and security forces. More than 100 persons were said to have been killed, while about 3,000 residents were displaced.
President Tinubu had condemned the killings and directed relevant security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were identified and prosecuted.
The forthcoming arraignment is expected to offer a measure of accountability and reassurance to residents and victims affected by the attack, amid ongoing concerns over security in parts of Benue State.
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