Nigerian prosecutors have charged nine men with terrorism for the June 2025 Yelwata massacre, one of Benue State’s deadliest attacks in recent years.
On 13 June, armed gunmen stormed Yelwata in central Benue, killing about 150 people. Witnesses said the assailants, armed with AK-47s, raided homes, set buildings alight, and killed civilians looking for refuge—some victims were burned alive. Many others were injured.
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja announced 57 terrorism charges against the suspects. Prosecutors allege the group, led by Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, met over months to plan the attack, raising funds and recruiting gunmen.
Prosecutors also claim the suspects solicited funds from Nasarawa State community leaders, where they reportedly met to plan the massacre.