PLAIN MURDER: The government indicts five suspects on terrorism charges

The Plateau State Government has taken strong legal action following the killing of Angwa-Rukuba, by formally charging five persons arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for their alleged involvement in the March 2026 deadly attack in Jos North Local Government Area.

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

According to a court filing by the State Attorney General, Philemon Audu Daffi, the four defendants—Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (aka Yaroro), and other accomplices—face charges of criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and related offenses under the Plateau State Criminal Code.

A fifth defendant, Adamu Isa Alhassan, faces additional charges, including murder, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition.

The suspects were arrested between April 3 and April 10, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.

In outlining the charges, prosecutors stated that the defendants were involved in planning and executing coordinated attacks that resulted in the loss of many lives. The charge sheet reads:

“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (AKA Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (AKA Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (now at large) from Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on March 28, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, conspired among yourselves to commit offenses relating to terrorism when you planned, organised, facilitated, assisted and contributed money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, you thereby committed the above offence.

“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (AKA Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (AKA Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now Fugitive) from Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on March 28, 2025 in Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, have committed an offense terrorism when you planned, organised, facilitated, assisted, contributed and received money to carry out the 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 Honorable Court.”

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For Alhassan, the charges are even broader, and link him to a broader pattern of violent attacks in various communities in the state. Prosecutors detailed his alleged role in organizing the deadly attacks in Riyom and Jos South LGAs, stating:

“That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (now fugitive), Imarana Sa’idu (now fugitive), Yusuf Sa’idu (now fugitive) Aliyu Usaini (now fugitive), Yahuza Adamu (now fugitive), Mubarak Yunusa (now fugitive), Yakubu whose last name is unknown (now fugitive) and others who were also at large between January to December 2025 and in January 2026 at the Villages of Gwang, Ward Rin, Bachit and Bangai in Riyom and Vom Local Government Areas of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State which are within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court have committed unlawful acts namely: Murder punishable by Death, when you armed yourself with weapons, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang Village, Ward Rin, Bachit and Bangai Villages in Riyom and Vom Local Government Areas of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committing the above violation.”

The charges stem from a series of brutal attacks, including a massacre on March 28, 2025 that killed no less than 30 people—among them women and children—in Bokkos, Bassa and surrounding communities.

The violence has sparked national outrage, and many have called for the cancellation of state events, including government-backed cultural programs. However, Governor Caleb Mutfwang rejected the call, insisting that the attackers should not dictate the rhythm of life in the state.

“Last week, Bokkos Local Government Area was again attacked by killers hell-bent on breaking our spirits,” the governor said at the time.

“Many have suggested that we stop this event, but we realize that these attackers intend to keep us in constant mourning, force us to stay indoors, and shackle our collective spirit.

“But I said no! Life must go on. The Highlands must move forward by God’s grace. The genocide in the Highlands will end. What is happening is not a farmer-herder conflict. Let me be clear: this is genocide, and I urge the international community to take notice,” the governor said.

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 the interventions being undertaken will help restore lasting peace,” the President assured, even as he called on his citizens to be vigilant.

The indictment of the suspects marks an important milestone in the search for justice, as authorities seek to send a strong signal that perpetrators of violence will be held accountable. However, observers note that the broader challenges are sustainable law enforcement, intelligence coordination, and addressing the root causes of recurring violence in Plateau State.