The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to formally arraign several suspects linked to the deadly Yelwata village killings on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The proceedings, expected to take place at the Federal High Court in Abuja, follow a series of high-profile arrests made by joint security forces and the Department of State Services (DSS) in late 2025 and early 2026.
The upcoming arraignment is the culmination of months of investigation into the June 2025 massacre, where armed militias invaded the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Special Assistant to the President on Communication & Publicity in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The statement indicated that the arraignment is the culmination of a thorough investigation carried out in collaboration with multiple government agencies.
“Some suspects arrested and strongly linked to the killings in Yelwata, a town in Benue State, will be arraigned tomorrow (Monday, February 2) to answer for their crimes”, the statement partly read.
Ogundele further confirmed that the suspects would face trial before a Federal High Court in the nation’s capital.
“They will be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court, Abuja”, he said.
According to the AGF’s office, the investigation into the killings was painstaking, reflecting the seriousness with which the government treats attacks on citizens. “This comes after a painstaking investigation and collaboration by government agencies”, the statement added.
The FG emphasised its commitment to delivering justice and sending a clear message to those who perpetrate violence under any guise, stating, “The office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to assure Nigerians that Justice will be ensured in the matter to send a strong signal to the enemies of the country, acting under any disguise.”
The statement also reaffirmed the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to protecting lives and property across Nigeria.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of lives and property of all as enshrined in the constitution”, the statement concluded.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the Yelwata killings, which drew widespread condemnation from local, national, and international stakeholders, have heightened concerns over security in parts of Benue State, a region that has experienced recurring communal clashes and criminal activity in recent years.
About 200 people, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), five security personnel, women, children, and community members, were killed in the coordinated attack by suspected herdsmen on Yelewata and Daudu communities in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to the reports, the attackers stormed Yelewata, overpowering police and youth defenders before unleashing violence on defenceless IDPs in market stalls and nearby homes.
Several houses and market stalls were set ablaze after being doused with petrol. Many victims, some described as toddlers, were reportedly “slaughtered like animals.”
The forthcoming arraignment is expected to provide a measure of accountability and reassurance to residents affected by the attacks.
