By V. AL-PEA
Tuesday 6th December 2011— Sixty-six people were arraigned in a Magistrate Court in Jos in connection with the recent violence in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.
The charges leveled against the accused include criminal conspiracy, rioting and possession of dangerous weapons and ammunitions. Ten of the suspects arraigned before Chief Magistrate Helen Danboyi pleaded not guilty to the charges and their cases were transferred to the Federal High Court.
As we previously reported, the conflict began after Hausa settlers first attacked Barkin Ladi natives, but a sizable number of the people arrested are said to be Plateau natives. TMV will be working to get a breakdown of the arrested people and will report accordingly.
Magistrate Danboyi ordered the accused to remain in prison custody pending arraignment before the High Court.