Silas Oloche: “Why arrest victims while killers walk free?” — Benue residents tackle DSS over arrest of Benue youth

Fresh controversy has continued to trail the prosecution of Agatu youth leader, Silas Oloche, by the Department of State Services, DSS, over alleged unlawful possession of arms and ammunition, as angry residents across Benue State accused security agencies of targeting victims while alleged killers roam freely.

Oloche, who is standing trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, was accused by the DSS of stockpiling grenades and ammunition allegedly meant for retaliatory attacks against Fulani herders following years of deadly attacks on Agatu communities.

However, reactions from residents after details of the court proceedings emerged online were dominated by outrage, accusations of selective justice and claims of government failure to protect rural communities.

“When will the Fulanis who constantly kill our people be arrested and charged to court?” Japheth Jev asked.

He added, “The FG security forces are controlled by Fulanis and totally compromised. I blame the kind of governor we have in Benue State who doesn’t care about defending the lives and lands of his people.”

Immanuel Shyne Aver described the development as “the highest level of oppression.”

Terzungwe Usar accused the government of complicity in the killings in the Middle Belt.

“They disarm defenseless villagers using state security forces, leaving them open for attack by Fulani terrorists who the government have come to agree can have and use military-grade weapons without consequences,” he said.

For Chris Najime, the case raised concerns about self-defence.

“You are killing people, youths mobilize to defend themselves then it become a problem?” he queried.

KwaghGande Kwaghmande Jnr also questioned the DSS action.

“Has DSS ever arrested Fulani killers? Why arresting young people who want to defend their parents against Fulani terrorists?” he asked.

Another resident, Agatha Shonwula Ngutswen, simply queried, “How many herders have they taken to court?”

Kenneth Ahobee said the situation raises questions about who the government truly protects.

“Between those constantly killing people and those trying to protect themselves from being killed, which one is more criminal?” he asked.

Pevi Sesugh Felix wrote, “Have they arrested Fulanis that are killing us? What a country.”

Sam Hemen Kur accused security agencies of failing rural communities.

“It appears we are already trapped, and for people not to even defend themselves when the government security has proven incapable,” he lamented.

Nongomin Regina Iveren also reacted angrily.

“You rehabilitate terrorists and employ them as repentant and try those who act in self-defence?” she queried.

Sewuese Tor wrote, “So people cannot defend their communities again? Bad government.”

For Ted Tyokyaa, Oloche was simply “defending himself and his people.”

Gabriel Gbargbar questioned why alleged attacks on Benue communities were not receiving similar urgency from authorities.

“What has the government done about the constant Fulani herders’ attacks as claimed?” he asked.

Buluku Terver described the arrest as meaningless.

“The security personnel should go and arrest the Fulanis who are walking with AK-47 and killing unlawfully across Benue communities,” he said.

Boko Rachel also questioned the situation.

“So the Fulanis are allowed to attack us with weapons at anytime but we are not allowed to plan a fight back?” she queried.

Jacob Yaakugh described the prosecution as “selective justice,” while Fan Timbir simply echoed the same words: “Selective justice.”

Sarwuan Iorwuese accused the DSS of failing to confront armed herders.

“The same DSS will never arrest any Fulani terrorist masquerading as herders roaming about freely with AKs, killing, raping and looting wantonly,” he alleged.

For Msar Denenpuun Leo, Oloche should be freed.

“The guy in question should be released and freed, he was trying to protect his community as a youth leader and a concerned citizen,” he said.

The reactions continued to pour in as many residents insisted that authorities must show equal commitment in arresting and prosecuting armed groups allegedly linked to attacks, killings and kidnappings across Benue communities.

During Monday’s proceedings, the DSS tendered grenades, ammunition and an audio-visual recording of Oloche’s interrogation as exhibits before the court.

The trial judge subsequently ordered a trial-within-trial following objections by defence counsel over the admissibility of the defendant’s extra-judicial statement.

The matter was adjourned to July 8 for continuation of hearing.