DSS Arraigns 9 Suspects over Benue, Plateau Killings
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine suspects before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the recent wave of killings in Benue and Plateau States.
The arraignments, which took place on Wednesday, involved individuals accused of offences ranging from murder and reprisal attacks to unlawful possession of firearms.
Among them are Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, who face a four-count charge for their alleged involvement in the June 13 attacks on Abinsi and Yelewata in Guma LGA, Benue State. The prosecution said they carried out the crime alongside others still at large.
Two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue, were charged on three counts over alleged reprisal attacks that included the destruction of property and the killing of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
In a related charge, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA of Katsina State was accused of concealing information about the whereabouts of a notorious gunrunner, identified as Alhaji Sani, who is also suspected of banditry and kidnapping.
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The DSS further filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue State, for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, in violation of Section 27 of the Firearms Act.
Similarly, two residents of Plateau State, Nanbol Tali, 75, and Timnan Manjo, were arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles valued at N3 million. Another Plateau suspect, Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA, was charged with unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm calibre ammunition.
The court proceedings follow a series of brutal attacks that have rocked both Benue and Plateau States in recent months, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing thousands. On June 13, gunmen killed more than 200 people, including farmers and internally displaced persons, in Yelewata and Daudu communities of Benue.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier announced the arrest of 28 suspects linked to the Yelewata massacre.
According to security sources, the arraignments reflect the DSS’s determination to ensure accountability and deliver justice. “The swift action and thorough investigation of these cases mark a new era for the DSS, reflecting institutional integrity and an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law,” a source said.
By PRNigeria
