The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine individuals identified as prime suspects in connection with the recent wave of violent killings across Benue and Plateau States.
The suspects were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. Among them is a suspected gunrunner allegedly found in possession of seven M16 rifles.
Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area (LGA) in Nasarawa State, are facing a four-count charge related to attacks in Abinsi and Yelewata villages in Guma LGA of Benue State. The prosecution alleges the crimes were committed on June 13, 2025, in collaboration with other yet-to-be-arrested individuals.
Two additional suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede from Guma LGA, are facing three-count charges for allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against initial terror suspects. They are also accused of destroying private property and causing the death of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State.
In a separate case, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, is being tried on a four-count charge for allegedly withholding critical information about a suspected arms dealer, Alhaji Sani. Sani is believed to be involved in gunrunning, kidnapping, and banditry.
The DSS also filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue State, accusing him of illegal possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, without a license—an offence punishable under Section 27 of the Firearms Act.
In another development, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, both from Plateau State, were arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly selling two locally made AK-47 rifles without a licence in a N3 million deal.
Furthermore, 62-year-old Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA of Plateau State is facing a five-count charge for alleged unlawful possession of two locally manufactured pistols and other firearms chambered for 9mm ammunition.
Ongoing insecurity in the region
The arraignments come amid a surge in deadly violence across communities in Benue and Plateau States, where armed groups have continued to carry out brutal attacks, killing hundreds and displacing thousands.
On June 24, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that 28 suspects had been arrested in connection with a deadly attack in Yelewata, Benue State. The announcement followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators during his visit to the state.
During a stakeholders’ meeting, President Tinubu openly criticized the police for their failure to bring the assailants to justice.
On June 13, gunmen carried out coordinated attacks on the Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of Benue State, resulting in the deaths of over 200 people, including displaced persons and local farmers.
