The Department of State Services (DSS) has charged nine suspects at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over their alleged roles in the recent massacres in Benue and Plateau States, which claimed more than 40 lives, left many others injured, and displaced hundreds.
The attacks in Yelwata, Guma LGA of Benue State, and parts of Plateau drew the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who visited Benue and urged residents to embrace peace while directing security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators.
In a charge sheet dated August 8, 2025 (FHC/ABJ/CR/453/2025), the DSS accused the suspects of carrying out coordinated assaults across ethnic and religious lines.
Among those named are Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, who, along with others still at large, allegedly attacked Abinsi and Yelwata villages on June 13, 2025. The DSS said the acts contravened the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
They are also accused of conspiring with others, including Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina, to commit terrorism.
In a separate case (FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025), two suspects from Guma LGA, Benue—Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede—were charged with allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks linked to the same incidents. Prosecutors said they conspired in meetings that led to terrorism, destruction of property, and the loss of cattle.
Also arraigned was a 32-year-old woman, Halima Haliru Umar from Katsina, accused of transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition to bandits and concealing information about a suspected arms dealer.
The DSS further charged:
• Nanbol Tali (75) and Timnan Manjo, both from Plateau, for allegedly trading AK-47 rifles and revolvers.
• Danjuma Antu of Jos North, for unlawful possession of pistols.
• Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu, Benue, for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, grenades, and 683 live rounds of ammunition.
All suspects face multiple terrorism and firearms-related charges under the Terrorism Prevention Act (2022) and the Firearms Act (2024).
No trial date has been fixed yet.