The Federal Government has initiated terrorism trials against nine men alleged to be responsible for coordinated attacks in Benue State. The trial commenced before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Prosecutors tied the nine accused to the June 13 assault on Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area, where dozens were killed in one of the latest violent outbreaks plaguing the Middle Belt.
The case has been broken into six distinct charges, covering terrorism planning, execution of reprisals, and illegal firearms trade. Court documents reveal that several suspects acted in collaboration, while others were charged individually.
A notable defendant, Timnan Manjo, 46, a church member from Mangu LGA in Plateau State, pleaded guilty to two out of four counts, admitting involvement in the unlawful sale and purchase of AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million. He, however, denied the remaining allegations.
Legal experts argue that this case demonstrates the Federal Government’s evolving strategy to crack down on terrorism through the judiciary. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has faced mounting pressure to address insecurity, particularly in Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna States.