crime

Forensic experts recover 105 bodies in Yelwata mass graves

Published

8 months ago

February 27, 2026

Federal forensic teams recover 105 bodies from 13 mass graves in Yelwata, Benue, as part of the ongoing investigation into the June 13, 2025 attack

Federal forensic specialists have exhumed 105 bodies from multiple mass graves in the Yelwata community as part of an ongoing investigation into the June 13, 2025 attack that devastated the area.

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The team, led by Prof. Saad Ahmed of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) in Abuja, arrived in Yelwata on February 23, 2026, accompanied by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and members of the Presidential Medical Delegation, working closely with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency.

Excavation commenced on February 24 under tight security provided by the Benue State Police Command, initially yielding seven bodies.

Operations continued over the following days, culminating in the recovery of 105 bodies from 13 separate mass graves within and around the community. The operation concluded on February 26.

Police sources explained that the recovery is crucial for forensic investigations and to bolster evidence for the prosecution of suspects allegedly involved in the killings.

“Seven corpses were initially exhumed by the IRT-led federal investigators for inquest. The exercise continued and further development will be communicated,” a security insider said.

The forensic mission follows the arraignment of nine suspects before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja on February 2, 2026.

The court emphasised the need for scientific evidence to ensure due process and proper attribution of responsibility.

Also read: Nine Abducted During Vigil at Benue Church

The June 13, 2025 attacks in Yelwata reportedly claimed numerous lives and forced many residents to flee, triggering nationwide outrage and renewed calls for accountability. Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will continue and further updates will be provided.

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crime

Police Arrest Convicted Drug Dealer, Rescue 14-Year-Old Boy in Bauchi

Published

17 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi drug dealer arrest leads to the rescue of a 14-year-old boy allegedly used as a drug courier and the recovery of suspected illicit substances

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer and rescued a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly being used to deliver illicit drugs in the state.

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The command said operatives of its Violent Crimes Response Unit intercepted the teenager during a routine patrol and recovered a granular whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to Habib, the operatives, led by the unit’s officer-in-charge, intercepted the minor, identified as Samuel Nkemakolan Kosi, at about 11 am on October 26, 2026, while he was allegedly on his way to deliver the suspected drug, also known as Ice, to a customer.

The statement said the teenager told investigators that he had been sent by Samuel Ogochukwu, a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery.

“Upon interrogation, the minor confessed that he was sent by one Samuel Ogochukwu, 22 years old, a convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery,” Habib said.

Following the information, detectives traced Ogochukwu to his location and arrested him.

A search of the suspect’s shop and residence reportedly led to the recovery of 3.5 grammes of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, 17 sachets of 100mg tramadol capsules, five sachets of 300mg pregabalin capsules and seven sachets of diazepam.

The police also recovered 12 Exol tablets, two wraps of a substance known as Yellow Boys and one sachet of Shine Shine Leather.

Habib said the principal suspect told investigators that he received supplies of illicit drugs through waybills from Onitsha, Anambra State.

The police spokesman added that the 14-year-old had been handled in accordance with juvenile best practices and would be reunited with his family after counselling.

“The 14-year-old minor has been handled in line with juvenile best practices and will be reunited with his family after counselling, while the principal suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their work and urged the public to remain alert to criminal activity.

According to Habib, the commissioner said four major drug busts and subsequent convictions recorded within 10 days demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.