The Plateau State Government has formally filed terrorism-related charges against five suspects arrested in connection with the deadly Angwan Rukuba killings that claimed dozens of lives in Jos North Local Government Area.
The move comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu visited Plateau State to sympathize with victims of repeated attacks and pledged that justice would be served.
The suspects, who were reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) between April 3 and April 10, 2026, are facing charges ranging from criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal dealing in arms and ammunition.
According to court documents filed by the Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Audu Daffi, four of the suspects—Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro—were accused of conspiring to carry out acts of terrorism.
The charges allege that the accused persons planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and financially contributed to the attack in Angwan Rukuba, which reportedly led to the deaths of over 30 people.
One of the suspects, Adamu Isa Alhassan, faces separate charges of culpable homicide punishable by death, alongside allegations of illegal possession and trafficking of firearms and ammunition.
Court filings claim that Alhassan and several others still at large were involved in attacks across multiple communities in Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas between 2025 and early 2026.
President Tinubu’s Visit and Promise of Justice
The development follows President Tinubu’s recent visit to Plateau State after a series of deadly attacks in Bokkos, Bassa, and surrounding communities.
During the visit, the President met with victims and local leaders, assessed the level of destruction, and assured residents that the Federal Government would support efforts to restore peace and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We are optimistic that ongoing interventions will help restore lasting peace,” President Tinubu reportedly said while urging citizens to remain vigilant.
Governor Mutfwang Describes Killings as ‘Genocide’
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has repeatedly condemned the attacks and recently described the killings as “genocide,” a term that has sparked debate across the country.
Speaking during the “Experience Plateau, Arts Meets Fashion” event, which held despite calls for cancellation after the attacks, the governor insisted the violence was not a mere farmer-herder conflict.
“Last week, Bokkos Local Government Area came under renewed attack by murderers who are desperate to break our spirit,” the governor said.
He added:
“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.”
Nigerians React with Skepticism
The news has generated strong reactions on social media and online forums, with many Nigerians expressing doubts over whether the suspects will be successfully prosecuted.
Some commenters praised the swift action by the government, while others questioned whether the arrests would lead to convictions or if the suspects would eventually be released.
The Angwan Rukuba killings remain one of the latest tragic reminders of the worsening insecurity in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region.
As legal proceedings begin, many residents and observers will be watching closely to see whether justice is truly served.
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