DSS arraigns nine suspects over Benue, Plateau killings
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned nine suspects before a federal high court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in recent killings in Benue and Plateau states.
The suspects face charges ranging from murder to unlawful possession of firearms and reprisal attacks.
Two men, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi from Awe LGA, Nasarawa state, were arraigned on a four-count charge linked to the June 13, 2025, killings in Abinsi and Yelewata villages, Guma LGA, Benue state.
The DSS said the crimes were committed in collaboration with others still at large.
Another suspect, identified as a gunrunner, was charged after his arrest with seven M16 rifles in his possession.
Also arraigned were Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede from Guma LGA, Benue state.
They face three counts relating to alleged reprisal attacks that led to the destruction of private property and the reported loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
In a separate case, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina state, is facing a four-count charge for allegedly concealing information about Alhaji Sani, identified by the DSS as a gunrunner, bandit and kidnapper.
The DSS also charged Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue state, with unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, in violation of Section 27 of the Firearms Act.
Two men from Plateau state, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, were arraigned on a four-count charge of allegedly selling two locally made AK-47 rifles for N3 million.
In a related charge, 62-year-old Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA, Plateau state, is facing five counts of unlawful possession of two pistols and other firearms capable of discharging 9mm rounds.
Communities in Benue and Plateau have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, leaving hundreds dead and displacing thousands.
On June 24, Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, announced the arrest of 28 suspects linked to the deadly assault on Yelewata.
The arrests followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive during his visit to the state that those behind the killings must be apprehended.
