A federal forensic team has reportedly exhumed 105 bodies from multiple mass graves in Yelwata community, located in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, as part of investigations into the June 13, 2025 attack.
According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the delegation was led by Professor Saad Ahmed from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abuja. The team reportedly arrived in Yelwata on February 23, 2026, accompanied by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
The forensic team was said to include members of a presidential medical delegation and worked alongside officials of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Security was provided by the Benue State Police Command during the identification and excavation of the burial sites.
Reports indicate that grave locations were identified shortly after the team’s arrival. The exhumation exercise began on February 24, with seven bodies initially recovered. Operations continued over the following two days, culminating in the recovery of 105 bodies from 13 mass grave sites within and around the community.
Security officials stated that the exhumation was necessary to enable forensic examinations and to strengthen evidentiary materials in the prosecution of suspects connected to the attack.
The development follows proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where nine suspects were arraigned on February 2, 2026, in relation to the incident. The court reportedly underscored the importance of forensic analysis to ensure due process and a fair trial.
Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing and that additional updates will be provided as the process continues.