DSS arraigns nine over violent attacks in Benue, Plateau States

No fewer than nine persons have been arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the recent killings and violence in Benue and Plateau States.

The Informant247 gathered that among those arraigned, a suspected gunrunner was accused of unlawful possession of seven M16 rifles.

Two suspects, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from the Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, face a four-count charge related to the June 13 attacks in Abinsi and Yelewata, Guma LGA of Benue. These attacks resulted in numerous deaths and displaced hundreds of individuals.

Another two suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede from Guma LGA, were charged on three counts for their involvement in alleged reprisal attacks, which included property destruction that led to the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.

Separately, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar of Faskari LGA, Katsina State, has been accused of withholding information about Alhaji Sani, identified as a gunrunner and bandit.

The DSS has also filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA, Benue, for the unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, in violation of Section 27 of the Firearms Act.

In Plateau State, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and his alleged accomplice, Timnan Manjo, were arraigned for allegedly buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million. Another suspect, Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA, faces a five-count charge for unlawful possession of pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition.

These arraignments come in the wake of a wave of deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau in recent months, including the June 13 massacre in Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma LGA, where more than 200 individuals, including farmers and internally displaced persons (IDPs), lost their lives.

The DSS stated that the charges demonstrate its commitment to accountability, swift investigations, and upholding the rule of law.

Source: DAILY POST