The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine individuals over their alleged involvement in recent killings in Benue and Plateau States.
The suspects appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Additionally, the DSS charged a suspected gunrunner with unlawful possession of seven M16 rifles.
Among those arraigned, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, face a four-count charge related to the killings in Abinsi and Yelewata communities of Guma Local Government Area, Benue. They are accused of committing the offences on June 13 alongside others who remain at large.
Two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both residents of Guma LGA, face three counts related to reprisal attacks against initial suspects, including property destruction that resulted in the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
In a separate case, Halima Haliru Umar, 32, from Faskari LGA in Katsina State, was charged with concealing information about Alhaji Sani, a suspected gunrunner, bandit, and kidnapper.
The DSS also brought a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue, for the unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, without a license, contrary to Section 27 of the Firearms Act.
Two residents of Plateau, Nanbol Tali, 75, and Timnan Manjo, were arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3 million.
Another suspect, Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA, Plateau, was arraigned on a five-count charge for unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols and firearms capable of discharging 9mm calibre ammunition.
These arraignments come amid a series of violent attacks by gunmen in Benue and Plateau States over recent months, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of residents and the displacement of thousands.
On June 13, gunmen attacked the Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA, Benue, killing more than 200 people, including farmers and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
On June 24, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, announced the arrest of 28 suspects linked to the Yelewata attack. This followed a directive by President Bola Tinubu during his visit to Benue State, ordering the arrest of those responsible for the violence.
