Benue, Plateau Massacres: DSS files charges against nine suspects

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed charges against nine suspects allegedly linked to the recent deadly attacks on Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and parts of Plateau State.

The attacks resulted in over 40 deaths, numerous injuries, and hundreds displaced.

Charges filed are:

● Terrorism and Firearms Offences. The DSS filed six separate charges against the suspects, including:

●》Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi*: Accused of carrying out attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata villages on June 13, 2025, contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

●》Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede*: Charged with carrying out reprisal attacks, including attending a meeting that led to acts of terrorism, causing destruction to private property, and loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State.

●》Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo*: Accused of buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles without a license, contrary to Section 9 of the Firearms Act, 2024.

●》Danjuma Antu: Charged with unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition.

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●》Silas Iduh Oloche: Accused of unlawful possession of 18 firearms (grenades) without a license and 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

●》Halima Haliru Umar: Charged with transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition to bandits and concealing information about a suspected gun runner.

*Background*

The attacks prompted a visit by President Bola Tinubu, who urged the people of Benue to live in peace and tasked security agents to apprehend the perpetrators.

Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian authorities for failing to protect vulnerable communities and called for systemic reforms to address the root causes of violence.

No date has been fixed for the trial of the suspects.