ABUJA, Nigeria — In a landmark judicial proceeding, nine individuals allegedly responsible for a devastating assault in north-central Nigeria faced formal charges before a federal court on Monday. The defendants stand accused of perpetrating an attack that resulted in over 150 fatalities in Yelewata, a community within Benue state’s Guma area, during June of last year.
Prosecutors have filed 57 distinct counts of terrorism against the accused, who entered unanimous ‘not guilty’ pleas during their arraignment. Nigerian justice authorities indicate conviction could carry maximum penalties of either life imprisonment or capital punishment.
This judicial action emerges against the backdrop of Nigeria’s escalating multidimensional security emergency, characterized by Islamic militant insurgencies in northeastern territories and rampant kidnap-for-ransom operations plaguing northwest and north-central zones. The Yelewata massacre exemplifies the intensifying farmer-herder conflicts over scarce land and water resources that have turned increasingly lethal as combatants militarize.
Presidential representative Kamarudeen Ogundele characterized the investigation as ‘painstaking,’ emphasizing interagency collaboration in a Sunday statement. ‘The office of the Attorney General wishes to assure Nigerians that justice will be ensured in this matter to send a strong signal to the country’s enemies, acting under any disguise,’ Ogundele declared.
The case develops alongside international security engagements, including December U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State-affiliated militants in northern Nigeria. These operations addressed concerns about Nigeria’s capacity to protect Christian communities facing heightened church attacks. The United States has committed to delivering previously purchased military equipment—including drones, helicopters, and support systems—to bolster Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities, though delivery remains pending after five years.