DSS charges against nine suspects over Benue, Plateau massacres

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the recent deadly attacks in Yelwata, Benue State, and parts of Plateau State.

According to court filings, the coordinated assaults left more than 40 people dead, several others injured, and hundreds displaced, sparking national outrage and prompting President Bola Tinubu to visit Benue for a condolence meeting.

Documents filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, allege that the suspects’ actions contravened provisions of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act.

Two men, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi from Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, were accused of leading the June 13–14 attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata villages in Benue, in collaboration with other accomplices still at large. Seven others were also linked to the violence, including Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina.

In a separate case, two Benue residents, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, were charged with procuring firearms to launch reprisal attacks in Ukpam village in July, leading to destruction of property and loss of cattle.

The DSS also filed a four-count charge against 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina State. She was accused of transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition to bandits and concealing information about a suspected arms dealer.

Other defendants include 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo from Plateau State, accused of illegal arms trading, and Danjuma Antu of Jos North, charged with unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols.

The most serious charge was filed against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, who was allegedly caught with 18 grenades and 683 rounds of live ammunition, in violation of Section 3 of the Firearms Act.

Security analysts say the charges highlight the scale of organised criminal networks driving violence in the Middle Belt, far beyond the traditional farmer-herder conflict narrative.

“This is not just about communal clashes; it points to organised terrorism, arms trafficking, and criminal syndicates exploiting ethnic fault lines,” a security expert in Abuja noted.

Although no trial date has been fixed, pressure is mounting on the government to expedite proceedings, as displaced communities in Benue and Plateau remain in dire conditions.

“For us, this is not just about prosecution but justice,” said a Yelwata community elder.

“We hope this trial shows that the government is serious.”