DSS arraigns nine suspects over Benue, Plateau Killings

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine individuals over their alleged involvement in the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states.

The suspects were brought before the Abuja federal high court on Wednesday.

DSS also charged a suspected gunrunner with possession of seven M16 rifles.

Two suspects — Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi — both from Awe LGA in Nasarawa state, are facing a four-count charge relating to the killings in Abinsi and Yelewata village, Guma LGA of Benue state.

They were alleged to have committed the offence alongside others still at large on June 13, 2025.

Two other suspects — Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede — both from Guma LGA of Benue, were charged on three counts over alleged reprisal attacks against the initial terror suspects, and destroying a private property which resulted in economic loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue state.

In a separate charge, Halima Haliru Umar, a 32-year-old woman from Faskari LGA, Katsina, was charged with four counts for allegedly concealing information about Alhaji Sani, a suspected gunrunner, bandit and kidnapper.

The DSS also 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.

Also Nanbol Tali, a 75-year-old man, and Timnan Manjo — both from Plateau state — were also arraigned on a four-count charge on allegations of engaging in the buying and selling of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles without licence for N3 million.

Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA, Plateau state, was arraigned on a five-count charge of unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols and firearms capable of discharging 9mm ammunition calibre.

INCESSANT ATTACKS

Gunmen have laid siege to communities in Plateau and Benue in recent times, killing hundreds of residents and displacing thousands.

On June 24, Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), announced the arrest of 28 suspects linked to the deadly attack in Yelewata LGA of Benue state.

On June 13, gunmen had attacked Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of Benue, killing over 200 people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers.

In a stakeholders’ meeting held after the attacks, President Bola Tinubu had criticised Egbetokun over the “failure” of the police to apprehend perpetrators.