Two suspects, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi from Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, were arraigned on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They are facing a four-count charge related to the June 13, 2025, killings in Abinsi and Yelewata villages, Guma LGA of Benue State.
The charges allege that the duo committed the crimes in collaboration with other accomplices who are still at large.
Additionally, the DSS has charged another suspect, believed to be a gunrunner, who was arrested in possession of seven M16 rifles.
Two additional suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue State, have been charged with three counts relating to alleged reprisal attacks on suspected terrorists. They are also accused of destroying private property, which reportedly led to the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State.
In a separate case, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, is facing a four-count charge for allegedly withholding critical information about Alhaji Sani, identified as a suspected gunrunner, bandit, and kidnapper.
The DSS also filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue State, accusing him of unlawfully possessing 18 firearms, including grenades, without a licence — an offence under Section 27 of the Firearms Act.
Additionally, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, both from Plateau State, were arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly selling two locally made AK-47 rifles without a licence in a transaction worth N3 million.
62-year-old Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA, Plateau State, has been arraigned on a five-count charge for allegedly possessing two locally made pistols and firearms capable of discharging 9mm rounds without a license.
Ongoing Violence
Communities in Plateau and Benue States have faced a series of brutal attacks by armed groups in recent months, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands.
On June 24, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that 28 suspects had been arrested in connection with the deadly assault on Yelwata LGA in Benue State.
This followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to apprehend those behind the attack during his visit to the state shortly after the incident.
