Police Exhume Bodies in Yelwata Killings Investigation

On February 24, 2026, police exhumed seven bodies in Yelwata, Benue State, as part of an investigation into the killings that occurred on June 13, 2025. This action was taken by a federal investigation team, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), following an earlier situational report.

The exhumation is part of an inquest aimed at ensuring justice for the victims of violence. The Presidential Medical Delegation visited Yelwata to inspect the burial site of the victims and to support the ongoing investigation.

The Federal Ministry of Justice has been involved, with a forensic pathologist arriving in Benue State to assist in the investigation. Additionally, nine suspects were arraigned in a federal high court in Abuja on February 2, 2026, with Justice Joyc Abdulmalik emphasizing the importance of forensic evidence for a fair trial.

Adequate security measures have been implemented to ensure a peaceful process in Guma Local Government Area.