Federal forensic specialists have uncovered 105 bodies from multiple mass graves in Yelwata community, located in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, as part of an ongoing probe into the June 13, 2025 assault on the area.
Security insiders disclosed that the team, headed by Prof. Saad Ahmed of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, in Abuja, arrived in Yelwata on February 23, 2026.
The delegation was accompanied by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, from Abuja.
According to sources, the mission also involved members of the Presidential Medical Delegation working closely with officials from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.
The burial sites were pinpointed the same day under tight security provided by the Benue State Police Command. Excavation began on February 24, when seven bodies were initially retrieved.
Operations continued on February 25 and 26, with more remains exhumed. In total, 105 bodies were recovered from 13 separate mass graves situated within and around Yelwata. The exercise wrapped up on February 26.
Police insiders explained that the recovery was necessary to aid forensic investigations and reinforce evidence in the prosecution of individuals allegedly connected to 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 source said.
The forensic deployment followed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where nine suspects were arraigned on February 2, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over their alleged involvement in the Yelwata attack.
The court stressed the need for scientific evidence to ensure due process and proper attribution of responsibility.
Security authorities confirmed that adequate arrangements were made to maintain peace and prevent any interference throughout the operation.
The June 13, 2025 violence in Yelwata reportedly claimed several lives and forced many residents to flee, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed demands for accountability.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had previously initiated legal action against suspects arrested in connection with the incident.
Officials assured that more information would be released as the investigation advances.