The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 28 persons suspected to be masterminds of the killings in Yelwata, Benue State.Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, and the IGP said the police were on the heels of other suspects who participated in the Yelwata killings that led to the death of 47 persons.
Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the police are not overwhelmed as they are mopping up light and small weapons illegally acquired by some persons. Egbetokun added that the police is also intensifying its border patrols in order to curtail the influx of irregular migrants into the country.
The IGP added that the arrested suspects will be arraigned in court soon including the 22 suspects who were arrested in Jos over the gruesome murder of nine persons travelling to Quanpan for a wedding. The IGP clarified that out of the 28 arrested persons, 2 have been cleared as they were only used as bait to arrest the 26 suspected masterminds.
He also disclosed that five more suspects were arrested in connection with another recent violent incident in Benue State. Condemning the growing spate of violence across parts of the country, Egbetokun reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to working in synergy with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens to root out criminal elements.
Queen Mary thanked President Tinubu and the First Lady for the reception and expressed sympathy over the crisis in Nigeria’s northeast. She said she was in Nigeria to strengthen relations and explore investment possibilities in the green economy, trade and business development for women, child health, and cultural and educational exchanges.
