Nine men charged over attacks in Benue State

Praise God that the Nigerian government are taking proactive steps towards ensuring justice for Christians affected by last year’s awful attacks in Benue State.

In a very welcome development in Nigeria, nine men have been charged for their involvement in the devastating attacks on a Christian community in Benue State last June, which killed more than 200 people and displaced thousands. 

The men were charged with 57 terrorism-related offences at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday (2 February). They are being accused of holding planning meetings, raising funds, procuring weapons and mobilising fighters across several states ahead of the attack on the Yelwata community on 13 June.  

• What happened in Benue State? 

Court documents claim that the ringleader, Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, and others met in neighbouring Nasarawa State to raise cash, issue orders and recruit fighters. Several defendants are accused of supplying AK-47s, aiding the gunmen or providing safe sites for planning.  

The accused – Ardo Lawal Mohammed, Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Muhammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Saleh Mohammed and Bako Jibrin – pleaded not guilty to all 57 charges. 

Court proceedings have been adjourned till 26 February, when the trial is expected to commence.  

Action and accountability  

“These charges and investigation should be celebrated,” says John Samuel*, Open Doors legal expert for work in sub-Saharan Africa. “Calling for accountability and an end to impunity has been a longstanding call to action for us and for the victims of the violence in Nigeria. We welcome the Nigerian government’s action to open investigation and we urge the authorities to make this a lasting precedent to curb violence and widespread impunity. 

“The Yelwata massacre is one of the deadliest attacks in the north central region and is not an isolated incident. Details of the charges make clear that these killings were coordinated and premeditated, not sporadic community clashes.” 

Following last year’s attack, Open Doors local partners identified 9,000 believers who were facing the greatest need. An emergency appeal was launched, to which you responded with incredible generosity.  

“Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ,” said a believer who had lost everything. “In fact, you set me free. You help me a lot with my family, because what you have given is so much. I don’t know how to express the feelings. I’m so happy. Thank you.” 

Whilst much grief and need remain, the news that decisive steps are being taken to bring those responsible for the attack to account is another huge boost to victims – and one that will hopefully be a landmark development for vulnerable Christians in Nigeria and the wider region.  

*Name changed for security reasons