The National Coalition Against Mass Killings and Impunity (NCAMKI) has criticised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its handling of the recent mass killings in Yelwata, Benue State.
It stated that the arrest of suspects and ammunition recovery are not enough.
In a statement dated August 3, 2025, and signed by the Interim Coordinator, Babatunde Agunbiade, the group said Nigerians are demanding “transparent justice” and not just press releases.
While acknowledging the July 23 police statement titled “Benue killings: Police arrest additional gun runners,” the coalition insisted: “Weapons are not justice.
“For the victims and survivors of the Yelwata massacre and similar atrocities, justice is not complete without public and transparent prosecution of those already arrested.”
NCAMKI noted that some suspects had already confessed, yet no charges had been filed against them despite their 14-day ultimatum, saying: “The refusal or delay in charging these individuals to court despite the expiry of our 14-day ultimatum raises deep concerns about possible internal sabotage, lack of political will, or a deliberate cover-up.”
The group questioned why no one has been charged and asked for clear answers on prosecution timelines, adding: “Have the suspects who confessed to the Yelwata killings been arraigned? If not, why? What is the timeline for prosecution and public disclosure?
“NCAMKI is calling for an independent panel of inquiry into the Benue mass killings, supervision of prosecution by the Federal Ministry of Justice or an independent counsel, and international observers to monitor the process.
“Our petition and 14-day ultimatum were not ceremonial. We shall escalate our advocacy if the status quo remains. The era of silence and impunity is over.”
