Abuja: Nigeria has filed terrorism charges against nine men accused of carrying out a deadly attack on a village in Benue State last year that left about 150 people dead.
Prosecutors said the suspects planned and organised the assault on Yelwata village in June 2025. The attackers allegedly raised money, bought weapons and moved fighters across state borders before launching the raid.
Court documents show the men are facing 57 counts, including terrorism, murder and illegal possession of firearms. One suspect was dropped from the case after prosecutors amended the charge sheet.
The case is being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The main suspect named by prosecutors is Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono.
The attack on Yelwata shocked the country and was one of the deadliest rural massacres in recent years. Homes were burned and many families were forced to flee their community.
Authorities say the violence in Benue State is linked to long running conflicts over land and resources, as well as ethnic and religious tensions in the Middle Belt region.
The government has been under pressure at home and abroad to bring those responsible to justice and to improve security in rural areas where armed groups and gangs often operate.
The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court hears the charges and the accused enter their pleas.