The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine persons over their alleged involvement in the recent killings in Benue and Plateau States.
The suspects were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
The DSS also charged a suspected gunrunner with unlawful possession of seven M16 rifles.
Two of the accused, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, are facing a four-count charge relating to the killings in Abinsi and Yelewata, Guma LGA of Benue.
They were alleged to have committed the offence alongside others still at large on June 13.
Two others, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue, were charged on three counts for alleged reprisal attacks against initial suspects, including the destruction of property which resulted in the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
In a separate charge, Halima Haliru Umar, 32, from Faskari LGA of Katsina State, was accused of concealing information about Alhaji Sani, a suspected gunrunner, bandit and kidnapper.
The DSS also filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA in Benue for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, without licence, contrary to Section 27 of the Firearms Act.
Similarly, two Plateau residents, Nanbol Tali, 75, and Timnan Manjo, were arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3 million.
Another suspect, Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA, Plateau, was arraigned on a five-count charge of unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols and firearms capable of discharging 9mm calibre ammunition.
It will be recalled that gunmen have mounted a string of deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau in recent months, killing hundreds of residents and displacing thousands.
On June 13, gunmen attacked Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA, Benue, killing more than 200 people, including farmers and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
On June 24, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, announced the arrest of 28 suspects linked to the Yelewata attack.
His announcement followed an order by President Bola Tinubu for the arrest of the culprits of Yelwata attack during his visit to Benue State.
