DSS Arraigns Nine Suspects Over Benue, Plateau Killings

• The DSS has arraigned nine prime suspects linked to the recent killings in Benue and Plateau States
• A suspected gunrunner was also charged after being caught with seven M16 rifles
• Authorities describe the arrests as a significant step toward tackling insecurity in the North-Central region

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine individuals alleged to be prime suspects in the recent killings that rocked Benue and Plateau States.

The suspects were brought before the court following weeks of investigations into the violent attacks that left several communities devastated, Channels Tv reported.

In a related development, the DSS also charged a suspected gunrunner said to have been caught with seven M16 rifles in his possession.

Security officials described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb the flow of illegal arms fueling violence across the two states.

The arraignment marks a significant step in the government’s push to bring those behind the deadly attacks to justice.

Read also

England moves to ban sale of energy drinks to children

45 people killed in fresh Plateau attack

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that About 45 people had been confirmed killed and many others injured following a brutal attack on Zike Kimakpa community in Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa local government area (LGA) of Plateau state.

A Kwall community leader, Wakili Tongwe, confirmed the deadly attack.

Tongwe said the attackers invaded the village in the early hours of Monday, April 14, 2025, and shot sporadically at residents who were scampering for safety after hearing gunshots.

The community leader divulged that a team of vigilantes, including himself and some security personnel, were on patrol in another community when the attackers invaded the village and started shooting.

Newlywed man and friend murdered in Benue

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that two young men of Igede descent were killed on Monday in a brutal attack along the Awajir-Oju road in Ulam community, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue state.

Read also

Shell abandons huge biofuel project in Netherlands

The victims, identified as Jonathan Uko and Ogoda Gabriel, were reportedly travelling on a motorcycle from Oju to Makurdi when they were ambushed and murdered.

Local sources told our correspondent that the bodies of the deceased were recovered in Ulam, a Tiv-speaking area with no known history of communal clashes with the Igede people. While some residents alleged that local militias were responsible for the killings, others pointed fingers at herders, citing recent incidents of road blockades and attacks on travellers.

Tinubu issues 2 powerful directives over Benue Killings

Also, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu had issued two critical directives aimed at addressing the ongoing violence in Benue state, following a new wave of reprisal attacks that have resulted in numerous deaths.

Legit.ng reported that Benue was recently attacked and many innocent citizens were massacred at Yelewata by suspected criminal herders.

Specifically, the president's firm stance includes instructing security agencies to take decisive action and calling for peacebuilding efforts through dialogue and reconciliation.

Source: Legit.ng