The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine suspects in connection with the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states.
The suspects were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. In a separate case, a suspected arms dealer was charged with possessing seven M16 rifles.
According to court documents, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA in Nasarawa State, face a four-count charge over the June 13, 2025, attacks in Abinsi and Yelewata villages in Guma LGA, Benue State. The offences were allegedly committed alongside others still at large.
Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA, were charged with three counts for alleged reprisal attacks and destruction of property in Ukpam village, which led to the loss of 12 cattle.
Halima Haliru Umar, 32, from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, was charged with four counts of concealing information about one Alhaji Sani, described as a suspected arms trafficker and kidnapper.
Silas Iduh Oloche, from Agatu LGA, Benue State, faces six counts for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, in violation of Section 27 of the Firearms Act.
Nanbol Tali, 75, and Timnan Manjo, both from Plateau State, were charged with four counts for allegedly buying and selling two locally made AK-47 rifles without a licence for ₦3 million.
Danjuma Antu, from Jos North LGA, Plateau State, was arraigned on five counts of unlawful possession of two locally made pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition.
Communities in Benue and Plateau have faced repeated attacks in recent months, resulting in hundreds of deaths and mass displacements.
On June 24, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced the arrest of 28 suspects linked to the June 13 Yelewata attack in Guma LGA, where over 200 people — including farmers and displaced persons — were killed.
Following the attacks, President Bola Tinubu criticised the IGP during a stakeholder meeting for the police’s failure to promptly apprehend the perpetrators.
