From Victor Osula, Abuja
The nine suspects arraigned over the gruesome killings in Yelwata (Yilwatda) community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, on Monday, pleaded not guilty to a 57-count charge bordering on terrorism, murder and related offences filed against them by the Federal Government.
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, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), personally leading the prosecution.
According to the charge, the defendants are accused of participating in and facilitating the deadly attack on the Yelwata community, including providing resources and soliciting support used in carrying out the massacre.
Following their plea, counsel to the defendants attempted to move an oral bail application. However, Justice Abdul-Malik declined the request, insisting that a formal bail application must be filed in accordance with due process.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until February 26 for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of the application.
Earlier, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation assured Nigerians that justice would be served, describing the arraignment as a strong signal to enemies of the country operating 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.
The statement noted that the arraignment followed a “painstaking investigation and collaboration by relevant government agencies”, adding that all those responsible for the killings would be held fully accountable.
The Yelwata massacre was reportedly carried out by about 40 gunmen who stormed the community 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 burnt beyond recognition or left scattered across farmlands.
The Director of JPDF, Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, warned that the killings triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in the community, citing contaminated water sources, food shortages and widespread fear among survivors.
The scale of the killings sparked national and international outrage. In response, President Bola Tinubu visited Benue State on June 20, 2025, directing the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
Monday’s arraignment marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s pursuit of justice for the victims of the Yelwata killings and underscores its resolve to tackle insecurity and violent crimes across the country.
