DSS Arraigns Nine Suspects Over Killings in Benue, Plateau
The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken nine people to court for their alleged roles in the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states. They appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
One of the accused, a suspected arms dealer, was charged with having seven M16 rifles.
Two men from Nasarawa state — Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi — are facing charges over killings in Abinsi and Yelewata, Guma LGA, Benue, said to have happened on June 13, 2025.
Another two, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, from Guma LGA, Benue, are accused of revenge attacks that destroyed property and caused the loss of 12 cows in Ukpam village.
A woman, Halima Haliru Umar, 32, from Katsina, was charged for allegedly hiding information about a known bandit and kidnapper, Alhaji Sani.
The DSS also charged Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue, for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades.
Two men from Plateau state — 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo — were charged for buying and selling two illegal AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million.
Another suspect, Danjuma Antu from Jos North, was charged with possessing two locally made pistols and other firearms.
These charges come after several deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau. On June 13, gunmen invaded Yelewata and Daudu in Guma LGA, Benue, killing over 200 people, including displaced persons and farmers.
Following the attacks, President Bola Tinubu criticised the police for failing to stop or arrest the killers earlier, despite the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, later announcing 28 arrests linked to the violence.
