The Federal Government has announced plans to arraign suspects linked to the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Benue State, as part of efforts to ensure accountability and justice for victims of the violence.
The suspects are expected to appear on Monday, February 2, before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development follows months of investigations into the attack that claimed many lives and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice assured Nigerians that the prosecution reflects the government’s resolve to protect lives and property.
The statement, signed by the Senior Assistant to the Attorney General, Kamarudeen Ogundele, said the move was the outcome of extensive investigations and coordinated efforts among security and intelligence agencies.
According to the government, the prosecution is intended to send a strong warning to criminal elements threatening national security under any guise, while reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the rule of law.
The Yelwata attack occurred in June, when armed men stormed the community in Guma Local Government Area, killing scores of residents and displacing hundreds.
Following the incident, security agencies confirmed the arrest of several suspects believed to be connected to the killings.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier visited Benue State after the attack, where he directed security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the president openly questioned delays in arrests and urged security chiefs to strengthen intelligence gathering to prevent a recurrence.
The violence also reignited calls for broader security reforms in the state. Governor Hyacinth Alia renewed his demand for the creation of state police and the establishment of an intervention fund to support affected communities.
He maintained that community-based policing remains critical to addressing the persistent insecurity in the food-producing state.
With the planned arraignment, the Federal Government said it is taking a decisive step toward justice for the victims and restoring confidence in the nation’s security and judicial systems.
