Security agencies in Benue State have confirmed the arrest of suspects believed to be involved in the recent deadly assault on the Yelwata community, which left several people dead and forced many others from their homes.
During a press briefing held on Sunday, June 22, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, announced the development but withheld the identities of those arrested.
Commissioner Emenari credited the successful operation to the support of Governor Hyacinth Alia and noted that the deployment of additional security personnel to rural areas, as directed by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has been completed.
He further appealed to landlords and hotel operators across the state to carry out thorough background checks on tenants and guests in a bid to prevent criminal elements, including terrorists, from settling in their facilities.
The arrests come in the aftermath of last week’s attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by armed herders, which resulted in numerous deaths and widespread displacement within the community.
