PLATEAU KILLINGS: Govt arraigns five suspects on terrorism charges

The Plateau State Government has taken a decisive legal step in the aftermath of the Angwa-Rukuba killings, formally charging five individuals arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over their alleged involvement in the deadly March 2026 attacks in Jos North Local Government Area.

The move comes weeks after Bola Tinubu visited the state and pledged justice for victims of the recurring violence that has plagued parts of Plateau.

According to court filings by the State Attorney General, Philemon Audu Daffi, four of the defendants—Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (alias Yaroro), and another accomplice—are facing charges of criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and related offences under the Plateau State Penal Code.

The fifth defendant, Adamu Isa Alhassan, is facing additional counts, including culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealings in arms and ammunition.

The suspects were apprehended between April 3 and April 10, 2026, following intelligence-led operations by the DSS.

In outlining the charges, the prosecution stated that the accused persons were involved in planning and executing coordinated attacks that led to significant loss of life. The charge sheet reads:

“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (now at large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; you thereby committed the above offence.

“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did commit the offence of terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, contributed and received money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over thirty (30) people in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”

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For Alhassan, the charges are even more extensive, linking him to a broader pattern of violent attacks across multiple communities in the state. The prosecution detailed his alleged role in orchestrating deadly assaults across Riyom and Jos South LGAs, stating:

“That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (Now at Large), Imarana Sa’idu (Now at Large), Yusuf Sa’idu (now at large) Aliyu Usaini (now at large), Yahuza Adamu (Now at Large), Mubarak Yunusa (now at large), Yakubu, whose surname is unknown (Now at Large) and others also at large between the months of January to December, 2025 and in January, 2026 at Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an illegal act to wit: Culpable Homicide Punishable with Death, when you armed yourselves with guns, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committed the above offence.”

The charges stem from a string of brutal attacks, including the March 28, 2025 massacre in which no fewer than 30 people—among them women and children—were killed in Bokkos, Bassa, and surrounding communities.

The violence had sparked outrage nationwide, with many calling for the cancellation of state events, including a government-backed cultural programme. However, Governor Caleb Mutfwang resisted those calls, insisting that the attackers must not dictate the rhythm of life in the state.

“Last week, Bokkos Local Government Area came under renewed attack by murderers who are desperate to break our spirit,” the governor said at the time.

“Many advised that we suspend this function, but we realized that these attackers intend to keep us in perpetual mourning, to force us indoors, and to shackle our collective spirit.

“But I said no! Life must go on. Plateau must move forward by the grace of God. The genocide on the Plateau will come to an end. What is happening is not a farmer-herder conflict. Let me be clear: it is genocide, and I urge the international community to take note,” declared the governor.

During his visit earlier this month, President Tinubu met with victims, assessed the scale of destruction, and assured residents of federal support in restoring peace and ensuring accountability.

“We are optimistic that ongoing interventions will help restore lasting peace,” assured the President, even as he charged citizens of the state to be vigilant.

The arraignment of the suspects marks a significant milestone in the quest for justice, as authorities attempt to send a strong signal that perpetrators of violence will be held accountable. However, observers note that the broader challenge remains the sustained enforcement of law, intelligence coordination, and addressing the root causes of the recurring violence in Plateau State.

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