The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine individuals identified as prime suspects in connection with the recent wave of killings in Benue and Plateau States.
The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday at the Federal High Court Abuja. The DSS also charged a suspected gunrunner arrested with seven M16 Rifles.
Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA in Nasarawa State, are facing a four-count charge in connection with the killings in Abinsi and Yelewata villages, Guma LGA of Benue State.
Both suspects are alleged to have committed the offence on June 13, 2025, in collaboration with others who remain at large.
Two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue State, are facing a three-count charge over alleged reprisal attacks against the initial terror suspects, as well as the destruction of private property that led to the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State.
Separately, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, is being prosecuted on a four-count charge for allegedly failing to disclose vital information concerning Alhaji Sani, identified as a suspected gunrunner, bandit, and kidnapper.
Also, the DSS filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA in Benue, accusing him of unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, without a licence, an offence said to be punishable under section 27 of the Firearms Act.
In addition, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, both natives of Plateau State, were arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly trading two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles without a licence, in a deal worth N3 million.
62-year-old Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA of Plateau State was arraigned on a five-count charge for allegedly being in unlawful possession of two locally made pistols and firearms designed to fire 9mm rounds.
Repeated Raids
In recent months, armed assailants have unleashed repeated attacks on communities across Plateau and Benue States, leaving hundreds dead and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed on June 24 that security operatives had apprehended 28 suspects over their alleged involvement in the deadly attack that struck Yelwata LGA of Benue State.
His announcement followed an order by President Bola Tinubu for the arrest of the culprits of Yelwata attack during the president’s vist to Benue State in after the attack.
Tinubu had at a stakeholders meeting during his visit berated the police for their failure to apprehend the perpatrators of the attack.
Gunmen launched coordinated assaults on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of Benue State on June 13, leaving over 200 people dead, including internally displaced persons and farmers.
