DSS Arraigns 75-year-old, 8 Others Over Benue, Plateau Killings

Nine persons have been arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the recent wave of killings in Benue and Plateau States.

The accused were arraigned yesterday at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Also, the DSS charged a suspected gunrunner who was arrested with seven M16 rifles before the court.
Two of the accused persons, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe local government area in Nasarawa State, are facing a four-count charge for the killings in Abinsi and Yelwata villages, Guma council of Benue State.

They were alleged to have committed the offence on June 13, 2025, in collaboration with others now at large.

Two other persons, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue State, are facing a three-count charge over alleged reprisal attacks against the initial terror suspects, as well as the destruction of private property that led to the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State.

Separately, 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, is being prosecuted on a four-count charge of failing to disclose vital information concerning one Alhaji Sani, identified as a gunrunner, bandit and kidnapper.

Also, the DSS filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA in Benue, accusing him of unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, an offence punishable under section 27 of the Firearms Act.

In addition, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, both natives of Plateau State, were arraigned on a four-count charge of trading two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles without a licence, in a deal worth N3 million.

Similarly, 62-year-old Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA of Plateau State was arraigned on a five-count charge for allegedly having two locally made pistols and firearms designed to fire 9mm rounds.