The federal authorities have announced that they will arraign suspects believed to be involved in the tragic attack on the Yelwata community located in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on February 2, 2026.
The suspects are expected to face Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as confirmed by a statement released on Sunday by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
According to the statement, which was issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Senior Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity in the Ministry of Justice, the court proceedings will follow an exhaustive investigation conducted in collaboration with various governmental agencies.
"The Attorney General's Office assures Nigerians that justice will prevail in this case, sending a potent message to those undermining the nation, regardless of their disguise," the statement emphasized.
The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of all citizens, as mandated by the constitution.
In detail regarding the Yelwata attack, it was reported that on June 13, 2025, the town was assaulted during a planned nocturnal operation that resulted in the death of more than 100 individuals, according to reports from human rights organizations and local sources. The offensive left numerous homes and markets destroyed, and many residents were either injured or displaced.
Amnesty International characterized this event as part of a troubling increase in violence in Benue State, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to stop continuous bloodshed in the region.
Shortly after the incident, President Tinubu visited Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, where he condemned the killings as “senseless bloodletting” and directed security leaders to take immediate action. He also instructed the Benue and Nasarawa state governments to establish a joint committee for peace.
Following previous attacks in Benue State, the upcoming arraignment occurs months after the federal government pressed charges related to terrorism against several individuals linked to violent incidents in both Benue and neighboring states.
On August 29, 2025, it was reported that the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Muhammad Abubakar, initiated six separate cases at the Federal High Court in Abuja against nine accused. They face charges of terrorism, encompassing the killings in Yelwata and Abinsi within the Guma Local Government Area.
The charges entail the conspiracy and preparation for terrorist activities, retaliatory actions, and illegal handling of firearms, in violation of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022 as well as the Firearms Act.
On September 3, 2025, the authorities formally charged the nine suspects. One, Timnan Manjo, admitted guilt concerning two charges associated with illegal arms dealings, while the others rejected all allegations and were ordered to remain under the custody of the State Security Service.
Despite these arrests and legal actions, violence persists in various regions of Benue State, with recent reports indicating ongoing killings and banditry.
The Justice Ministry's recent announcement stated that this forthcoming arraignment exemplifies the federal government’s renewed efforts towards ensuring accountability concerning crimes linked to the Yelwata massacre and similar incidents. The administration remains hopeful that this legal action will deliver a decisive message and reinforce its determination to tackle violence across Benue and other regions.
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