TheNewsGuru

Tag: Plateau

  • DSS arraigns 9 suspects over Yelwata, Plateau killings

    DSS arraigns 9 suspects over Yelwata, Plateau killings

    The Department of State Services (DSS), on Wednesday, arraigned nine suspects accused of complicity in the recent deadly attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue, as well as in parts of Plateau.

    The nine, named as defendants in six separate charges, took turn to enter their pleas before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Other allegations raised against them, included unlawful possession and dealing in firearms, assisting in terrorism activities, among others.

    The DSS counsel, Calistus Eze, informed the court that the separate charges were dated and filed on Aug. 28.

    In the three-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025 and filed against Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA of Nasarawa and others still at large, they were alleged to have, on June 13, carried out attacks against the people of Abinsi and Yelwata villages.

    NAN reports that the attack left many persons dead, many others injured and hundreds displaced in both state.

    The offence, the DSS said, was contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

    The two accused persons were said to have conspired with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, Pyeure Damina and others still at large to carry out the attacks on Yelwata.

    After the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, Justice Nwite ordered that they should be remanded in DSS’ custody and be granted access to their lawyers.

    As it relates to the charges involving Ashuwa, Alede and Halima Umar, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until Oct. 2 for trial.

    The judge adjourned the charge involving Manjo and Tali until Oct. 17 for review and trial.

    He also fixed the trial of Antu and Oloche for Oct. 17 for trial.

    Meanwhile, the DSS, on Wednesday, filed a fresh five-count charge against suspected gunrunner, allegedly arrested with seven M16 assault rifles – Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (aka Huzaifa Dogo)

  • Benue, Plateau Massacre: DSS charges nine suspects to court

    Benue, Plateau Massacre: DSS charges nine suspects to court

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against nine suspects allegedly linked to the recent deadly attacks on Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue and parts of Plateau.

    NAN reports that the attacks left no fewer than 40 persons dead, many others injured, and hundreds displaced in both states.

    The charge sheet read that Haruna Adamu, Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA of Nasarawa and others still at large, on June 13, allegedly carried out attacks against the people of Abinsi and Yelwata villages.

    The offence, the DSS said, was contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

    The two accused persons were said to have conspired with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, Pyeure Damina and others still at large to carry out the attacks on Yelwata.

    In the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025, filed on behalf of the Federal Government by Muhammad Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), the two defendants were accused of engaging in a conduct in preparation to commit terrorism.

    They allegedly jointly acted with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina and others still at large to commit the terror act in Abinsi and Yelwata.

    This, the Federal government stated, was contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

    In another charge, two other suspects Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma Local Government Area of Benue were slammed with a three-count charge of allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against the terror suspects, involved in Abinsi and Yelwata attacks.

    In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025, the two suspects were accused of attending and participating in a meeting which led to the commiting of acts of terrorism, causing destruction to private property resulting in the economic loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam Village in Benue.

    The DPP said this act was contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    In count two, they were said to have in July, at a meeting in Daudu town, Guma LGA, conspired to carry out terrorism act along with others at large, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

    In count three, the DSS accused the two defendants of knowingly rendering support and receiving material assistance of locally made guns and AK-47 rifles from one Alhaji Uba to commit acts of terrorism that led to the destruction of private property and loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue.

    This, the charge said, was contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

    In another charge, a 32- year old woman, Halima Haliru-Umar of Faskari Local Government Area of Kastina State was slammed with a four-count charge of terrorism.

    This included transporting, in July, 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle live ammunition to bandits, which the service said, was contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

    She was also charged with concealing information about one Alhaji Sani, a suspected gun runner, bandit and kidnapper, information the DSS said, would have led to preventing acts of terrorism.

    The DSS also said that her action was contrary to Section 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

    Similarly, a 75 year-old-man, Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, were charged with four counts of allegedly engaging in buying and selling of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles with out license for N3 million.

    According to the DSS, the offence is contrary to Section 9 of the Act, and is punishable under Section 27 of the Firearms Act 2024.

    They were accused of having a locally fabricated Ak-47 rifle in their possession in Manju Local Government Area of Plateau.

    They were also charged with buying three long-range revolvers at N60,000 each from one Chomo to resell to bandits

    Danjuma Antu of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau was charged with five- counts of unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition caliber.

    The DSS said the move was contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act 2024 and punishable under section 27.

    The DSS also slammed a six-count charge against one Silas Oloche of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue for unlawful possession of 18 firearms (grenades) without license.

    Oloche was said to have been arrested on Aug. 2 with 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act.

    According to reports, no date has however, been fixed to hear the matters

  • Plateau boils again as unidentified armed men k!ll 14 passengers on their way from market

    Plateau boils again as unidentified armed men k!ll 14 passengers on their way from market

    Plateau boils again as unidentified armed men ambushed a vehicle coming back from the popular Bokkos market killing 14 passengers, including women and babies.

    Eyewitnesses who narrated the incident said the victims were on their way home from the weekly market after they had conducted their businesses when they were attacked and killed along Chirang Road in Mangor District of the LGA.

    One of the eyewitnesses, who did not want his name mentioned, said the heavily armed men blocked the road when the vehicle approached and opened fire sporadically, killing the victims and injuring many others.

    Chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Forum (BCDF), Farmasum Fuddang, who also confirmed the incident in a statement on Fridy said it was shocking that despite several peace and reconciliation meetings and efforts to broker peace between farming and herding communities in the council, some bandits would still go ahead to kill innocent people.

    “The victims were returning from the weekly market in Bokkos town when their vehicle was ambushed. Victims included women and little babies,” Fuddang said in the statement.

    “This violence occurs despite various so-called peace and reconciliation efforts,” the chairman said.

    Fuddang, who did not mince words in accusing Fulani militias of launching the attack, said the fact was clear that they were the culprits, insisting that their goal is to take control of the entire local government area, which is recognized as the potato headquarters of Nigeria.

  • Dewan resigns as Naanlong emerges new Plateau speaker

    Dewan resigns as Naanlong emerges new Plateau speaker

    In a new political move, the Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, on Wednesday, resigned from the position of leader of the 10th assembly.

    Meanwhile, Mr Daniel Naanlong (APC/Mikang Constituency) was unanimously chosen by his colleagues to lead the 24-member legislature.

    According to reports, Dewan submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday during an emergency plenary, after which the election took place.

    The emergency plenary that led to the emergence of the new speaker was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Gwotta Ajang.

    The motion for the election of Naalong was moved by Mr Nanbol Listick (LP, Langtang North Central) and was seconded by Mr Abdul Yanga (APC, Mangu North East).

    The new speaker was the majority leader in the 9th Assembly.

    The former speaker Dewan is a lone member of his party, the Young Progressives Party (YPP), in the assembly.

    NAN reports that Dewan”s resignation is seen as part of a broader effort to stabilise the political climate in Plateau.

    The outgone speaker is from the same senatorial zone as Gov. Caleb Mutfwang.

  • Angry Tinubu orders security agencies to unearth Plateau killers

    Angry Tinubu orders security agencies to unearth Plateau killers

    Angry President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the brutal killing of 12 travellers in Plateau State.

    The President’s order followed widespread condemnation over the murder of wedding guests, including the father and brother of the groom, who were attacked while travelling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Jos, Plateau State.

    Many others were also reportedly injured in the assault.

    Condemning the attack, President Tinubu described the act as “unacceptable and barbaric,” and reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violence, lawlessness, and threats to national unity.

    “The Government of Plateau State must take decisive action in handling these vicious cycles of violence. The state government must work with security agents to get to the root of this recent incident and use it as a deterrent against future occurrences,” the President said in a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    He further emphasized that freedom of movement for all Nigerians remains a sacrosanct constitutional right that must not be violated by any group or individual.

    “Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group of people to curtail that fundamental freedom through acts of extreme violence and fear,” he said.

    While calling for calm among affected communities, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that those behind the heinous act would not escape justice.

    He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, and to the people and government of Kaduna State.

  • Troops arrest 2 suspected gunrunners, recover arms in Plateau

    Troops arrest 2 suspected gunrunners, recover arms in Plateau

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have arrested two suspected gunrunners and recovered some weapons in Marit-Mazat community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Jos.

    Zhakom said that this followed an intelligence tip and subsequent operation conducted by troops in the early hours of Sunday.

    “The operation is sequel to the arrest of a gunrunner and kidnapper on May 10, at Barakin Gangare community of Barkin Ladi LGA.

    “During the follow-up operations, troops arrested another notorious gunrunner and kidnapper.

    “Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and one ITEL phone during the operations,” he said.

    The media officer said that the preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested suspects were responsible for most of the criminal activities along Gashish and Kurra Falls communities of Barkin Ladi.

    He added that the suspects also confessed to be responsible for some of the criminal activities in Gwantu and Fadan Karshe axis in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.

    Zhakom said that troops had intensified efforts to track and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate and also recover their weapons.

  • Insecurity: Army raises alarm over Influx of cattle into Plateau

    Insecurity: Army raises alarm over Influx of cattle into Plateau

    Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has decried the influx of large number of cattle into Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

    Oyinlola, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, said this on Tuesday during an engagement with stakeholders in Barkin Ladi.

    He noted that the influx of the cattle was constituting a major security threat to the locality and the state in general.

    According to him, the isolated attacks, farm destruction, and other illegal activities are as a result of the unhealthy development.

    “I must express the concerns of security agencies about recent developments in parts of Barkin Ladi.

    “There is a growing unease about the influx of large number of cattle into farming communities.

    “While the movement of livestock in Barkin Ladi and indeed Pateau in general is not unusual, the scale and timings of this new influx raise legitimate security concerns.

    “Unfortunately, this development has already resulted in adverse outcomes, including farm destructions, isolated attacks, and attacks on livestock.

    “The impact of this action on food security, economic stability, and social harmony cannot be over emphasised,” he said.

    The commander, who also expressed deep concerns over the recent killings in the locality, called on the stakeholders to unite and fashion out ways to end the violence.

    He, however, promised to fish out the preparators of the heinous crime, who would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    Oyinlola explained that the stakeholders’ engagement was aimed at ensuring a successful and peaceful farming season in the locality.

    “The faming season is already ongoing, and for many families, this is a period for securing their livelihood.

    “Therefore, any disruption of farming activities now will have dire consequences for the rest of the year and beyond.

    “To this end, this engagement is convened to hear from you, all stakeholders, to listen to your concerns,” he said.

    NAN reports that the meeting had in attendance heads of security agencies, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

  • Defence minister promises to end killings in Plateau

    Defence minister promises to end killings in Plateau

    Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, Minister of Defence, on Saturday visited communities that were recently attacked by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

    Recall that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in Manguna District of the locality.

    Similarly, gunmen on Sunday attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa.

    In both incidents, the attackers killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.

    Speaking, the minister, who commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones, expressed government’s commitment to safety  of lives and property.

    “We are here on behalf of the Federal Government to identify and share in your grief.

    “We want to assure you that security agencies will bring these senseless killings to an end.

    “I have been adequately briefed and I want to assure you that we will get to the root of this matter. We will capture the perpetrators of this evil act.

    “The president is deeply concerned and have ordered us to find the perpetrators so they can face justice.

    “We are working with the state government to adopt the structure that will prevent this ugly incident from happening again; it is time to end this madness,”he said

    Badaru further said that government would engage all stakeholders in the affected communities towards curbing the cycle of killings in the state.

    Earlier, Retired Rev. Ranka Aku, Brra Ngwe of Irigwe chiefdom, who thanked the minister for the visit, also commended the federal and state governments for prompt response to the incidents.

    Aku, who decried incessant attacks and destruction of properties in the chiefdom, called on government and security agencies to intensity efforts to end the violence.

    He promised to collaborate with the government towards bringing lasting peace to the chiefdom and Plateau in general.

    The traditional ruler called on the government to provide support to the victims in order to rebuild their destroyed buildings.

    NAN reports that Baderu was accompanied on the visit by Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, senior military personnel and other government officials

  • Enough of killings on the Plateau — Speaker Abbas

    Enough of killings on the Plateau — Speaker Abbas

    …calls for decisive action by security agencies

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned the latest killings in some communities in Plateau State, and called for a decisive action to end such “barbaric acts.”

    In the latest attacks, at least 50 people were reportedly murdered at Zikke and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The Speaker, who said, “enough is enough” on the killings, expressed deep concerns that innocent people are being killed unabated.

    “I am indeed saddened by the latest killings in some communities in Plateau State. It is unfortunate that innocent Nigerians get killed in a most barbaric and brutal manner. Enough of the killings on the plateau and other parts of the country.

    “In line with the earlier directive by the President/Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the security agencies to fish out the killers of innocent Nigerians on the Plateau and other parts of the country, I call on them to intensify efforts,” the Speaker said.

    Speaker Abbas sent heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Plateau State over the killings.

  • Mutfwang bans night grazing in Plateau over recent attacks

    Mutfwang bans night grazing in Plateau over recent attacks

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has banned night grazing in all parts of the state following the spate of attacks and killings in some communities.

    Mutfwang issued the ban in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday in Jos over the prevailing security challenge in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in Manguna District of the locality.

    Similarly, gunmen on Sunday attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom of Bassa.

    In both incidents, the attackers killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.

    The governor also restricted the movement of cattle on vehicles in all parts of the state as from 7:00p.m.

    He explained that the move aimed at curbing the rising security challenges in the state.

    “To restore calm and strengthen vigilance, I hereby announce that effective Wednesday, April 16, night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited.

    “Also, transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00p.m. The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00p.m. to 6:00a.m across the state until further notice,” he said

    The governor, who assured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, promised to support the security agencies in the state.

    Mutfwang, who also insisted that the killings were not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment towards achieving lasting peace in the state.

    He promised to constitute a fact-finding committee comprising of respected independent voices, to investigate the root causes of the violence and offer actionable recommendations.