THE Department of State Services (DSS) today arraigned nine suspects linked to the recent spate of violence in Benue and Plateau States at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Among those charged are Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi from Awe LGA in Nasarawa State, accused of participating in attacks on Abinsi and Yelewata villages in Guma LGA, Benue State, on June 13, 2025.
Both face a four-count charge alongside others still at large.
Two more suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, also from Guma LGA, were arraigned on three counts over alleged reprisal attacks that led to property destruction and the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
In a related case, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari, Katsina State, is facing a four-count charge for allegedly withholding critical information about a suspected gunrunner and kidnapper, identified as Alhaji Sani.
The DSS also brought a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue, for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, while 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo from Plateau State are accused of illegally trading two fabricated AK-47 rifles valued at ₦3 million.
Additionally, 62-year-old Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA, Plateau State, was arraigned on a five-count charge for unlawful possession of two pistols and 9mm ammunition.
The arraignments come amid heightened insecurity in Benue and Plateau, where repeated attacks by armed groups have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
On June 24, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed that 28 suspects had been arrested in connection with the Yelewata massacre, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for swift action after visiting the state.
The June 13 attacks on Yelewata and Daudu communities claimed more than 200 lives, including those of displaced persons and farmers, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.