Forensic Team Exhumes 105 Bodies in Benue’s Yelwata Killings Probe

Federal investigators have exhumed 105 bodies from mass graves in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, in an operation linked to the probe of the 13 June 2025 killings in the community.

The forensic mission was led by Saad Ahmed from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and supported by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team from Abuja, according to reports cited by security sources.

Officials involved in the operation included members of the Presidential Medical Delegation and personnel of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, who worked with the federal team during the recovery process.

Sources said the mass grave sites were identified on Monday under police protection before exhumation started on Tuesday. Seven bodies were first recovered, after which teams continued work through Wednesday and Thursday.

By the end of the exercise, investigators had recovered 105 bodies from 13 mass graves located in and around Yelwata.

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

The operation followed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where nine suspects were arraigned on 2 February before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over the Yelwata killings.

During the court hearing, emphasis was placed on the need for forensic evidence to support fair adjudication and proper assignment of criminal responsibility.

Federal authorities later deployed pathologists and other forensic personnel to Benue as part of efforts to strengthen evidence in the ongoing prosecution.

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has already commenced legal action against suspects arrested in connection with the incident.

The attack on 13 June 2025 left many residents dead and renewed concerns about insecurity in Benue, particularly in Guma Local Government Area, where repeated violent incidents have been recorded in recent years.

Officials said the current forensic inquest is expected to help establish the identities of victims and provide scientific evidence for the case before the court. They added that more updates would be released as the investigation progresses and additional findings are documented.