No fewer than 15 more suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) over the recent killings in Yelwata village, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to a report by security analyst and counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama on Monday, the number of suspects arrested in connection with the deadly attack has risen to 23.

Makama said the arrests were made on Saturday, as part of ongoing security operations ordered by President Bola Tinubu to apprehend those responsible for the massacre.

No less than 100 persons lost their lives when bandits invaded Yelwata in one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the region this year.

“The latest suspects arrested include: Abdulsalam Mohammed, Dahiru Mohammed, Bako Jibril, Abubakar Isa, Abubakar Adamu, Umar Lawali, Bello Tukur, Musa Mohammed, Muazu Idris, Usman Suleman, Dauda Umar, Safiyanu Sani, Isa Yusufa, Babangida Usman, and Yakubu Mamman. They are currently undergoing preliminary interrogation,” Makama said.

Security forces comprising military, army and other agencies have continued coordinated operations across Yelwata and neighbouring communities to prevent further violence and ensure the perpetrators face justice.

According to Makama, a senior security official who confirmed the arrests said investigations are ongoing and more suspects may be apprehended in the coming days.