Plateau Archives | Trendbrio.com

DSS Arraigns Nine Over Terror-Related Offences in Benue and Plateau

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine individuals in connection with a series of terror-related offences and violent attacks across Benue and Plateau States. The suspects were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja in six separate cases, facing charges ranging from terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms to arms trafficking and destruction of property. Among those arraigned were Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. They are facing a three-count charge for allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata villages. They are also accused of destroying private property in Ukpam village, which reportedly led to the economic loss of 12 cattle. In another case, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA in Nasarawa State were charged alongside others still at large. They allegedly participated in coordinated attacks on the communities of Abinsi and Yelwata on June 13, 2025. A 32-year-old woman, Halima Haliru Umar, from Faskari LGA in Katsina State, was arraigned on a four-count charge. She is accused of transporting 302 rounds of live AK-47 rifle ammunition to bandits operating in the region. The DSS also arraigned a 75-year-old man, Nanbol Tali, and another individual, Timnan Manjo, on a four-count charge related to the illegal purchase and sale of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles. The weapons were reportedly sold without licenses for a sum of ₦3 million. In a related development, Danjuma Antu of Jos North, Plateau State, appeared before the court on a five-count charge for unlawful possession of two locally made pistols capable of firing 9mm caliber ammunition. Additionally, the DSS filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, without a license. The DSS noted that investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to apprehend other suspects who remain at large. These arraignments come amid increased efforts by security agencies to clamp down on rising violence, arms proliferation, and terrorism in Nigeria’s North Central region, which has faced persistent instability in recent years.

JNI Decries Rising Insecurity, Boko Haram Resurgence—Calls for Justice Over Plateau Killings as CAN Urges Unity

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Abuja — The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s deteriorating security landscape, citing increasing incidents of abductions, ethnic violence, and renewed Boko Haram attacks. In a strongly worded statement issued by its Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI condemned the spate of killings and accused the Federal Government of failing to act decisively on persistent security threats across the country. The group also lamented what it described as a collapse of intelligence and law enforcement, particularly in preventing deadly attacks on innocent citizens. Of particular concern to the group is the recent killing of Muslim wedding guests in Plateau State, which it described as a “premeditated massacre” by Christian militias. JNI criticized the Plateau State Government for not taking punitive actions against the perpetrators and demanded justice for the victims, including compensation for bereaved families and medical support for the injured. “The Plateau killings are just the latest chapter in a series of barbaric attacks that have plagued Muslim travellers and communities over the years,” the statement read. “Condemnations alone are no longer enough; governments must act swiftly and decisively.” JNI also condemned recent acts of violence in Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Borno, and Benue States, as well as the destruction of mosques and killings in areas with long-standing inter-communal tensions. Amid growing fears of reprisal attacks, the group appealed for restraint, urging security agencies to intensify surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts. It also called on the Plateau government to replace the ABU 18-seater bus destroyed in the attack and asked the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other legal bodies to seek justice through the courts. Meanwhile, in response to JNI’s accusations, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for an end to what it described as “the blame game.” Reverend John Hayab, Chairman of CAN for the 19 Northern States and the FCT, emphasized the need for collective accountability and sincere dialogue to break the cycle of violence. “We must stop pointing fingers and focus on peace-building. Reducing these tragedies to a contest for sympathy only prolongs the bloodshed,” Hayab stated. He challenged critics of casualty reporting by international organizations to provide credible evidence, particularly regarding attacks in Southern Kaduna, where CAN says dozens have been buried in mass graves. Both religious bodies agreed on the urgent need for justice and security reforms, but differ in tone and approach. JNI insisted on public prosecution of suspects in the Mangu killings, while CAN stressed unity, honesty, and collaboration as the path to lasting peace. As tensions remain high, the calls for accountability, fairness in reporting, and proactive governance continue to dominate national discourse.