February 02, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government, on Monday, filed a 57-count terrorism and murder related charge against nine suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome killings in Yilwatda (Yelwata) community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Also accused of providing resources and soliciting support used in carrying out the attack, the suspects were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), personally leading the prosecution.
Earlier, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation assured Nigerians that justice would be served in the matter, describing the arraignment as a clear signal to enemies of the country acting under any guise.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the AGF on Media, Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Federal Government reiterated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to the protection of lives and property, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
According to the statement, the arraignment followed a “painstaking investigation and collaboration by relevant government agencies,” stressing that those responsible for the killings would be held fully accountable.
THEWILL recalls that the massacre in Yelwata community was reportedly carried out by about 40 gunmen who stormed the area on motorcycles in pairs on the night of Saturday, June 13, 2025, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, June 14. The attackers allegedly moved from house to house, setting buildings ablaze, shooting residents who attempted to flee and mutilating victims. A market and a Catholic Mission were also attacked, while security operatives reportedly engaged the assailants in a shootout.
A data officer with the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi’s Justice, Peace and Development Foundation (JPDF), Ms. Hope Faith Ori, had earlier confirmed that at least 150 bodies were counted after the attack, with many others burned beyond recognition or left scattered across farmlands.
The Director of JPDF, Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, warned that the killings had triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in the community, citing contaminated water sources, food shortages and widespread fear among survivors.
The scale of the killings drew national and international outrage, including reactions from religious freedom advocates and human rights groups abroad. In response, President Bola Tinubu visited Benue State on June 20, 2025, where he directed the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the massacre.
Monday’s arraignment marks a significant step by the Federal Government in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Yelwata killings and underscores its resolve to tackle insecurity and violent crimes across the country.
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