Yelwata killings: Forensic team exhumes 105 bodies
A team of federal medical pathologists has exhumed 105 bodies from mass graves in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue, as part of ongoing investigations into the June
A team of federal medical pathologists has exhumed 105 bodies from mass graves in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue, as part of ongoing investigations into the June 13, last year’s attack on the area.
Security sources told The Nation that the team led by Prof. Saad Ahmed from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abuja, arrived in Yelwata on February 23, this year, along with operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abuja.
The sources said the delegation included members of the Presidential Medical Delegation, who are working with officials of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
According to the sources, locations of the graves were identified on the same day under adequate security provided by the state Police Command.
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The exhumation started on February 24, during which seven bodies were recovered.
The team continued the exercise on February 25 and 26, exhuming additional remains, bringing the total number of bodies recovered to 105 from 13 mass graves located in and around Yelwata community.
The exercise was concluded on February 26.
Police sources said the exhumation was conducted to facilitate forensic inquest and strengthen evidence in the ongoing prosecution of suspects linked to the killings.
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“Seven bodies 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 deployment of forensic experts followed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where nine suspects were arraigned on Feb. 2, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in connection with the Yelwata attack.
The court had emphasised the importance of forensic evidence to ensure a fair trial and proper determination of culpability.
Security officials said adequate measures were put in place to ensure the exercise was conducted peacefully and without disruption.
The June 13, last year attack on Yelwata community reportedly resulted in the deaths of several residents and displaced many others, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for justice.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had earlier started prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the incident.
Authorities said further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
