RismadarVoice Reporters, April 27, 2026
Traders at the Cabbage Market in Angwan Rukuba have come out in defence of suspects arraigned over the March 29 night attack that left more than 28 people dead, insisting the accused were with them at the time of the killings.
In interviews aired by Trust TV, several market leaders and traders expressed shock over the arrests and called on security agencies to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process.
The suspects were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) days after the attack. Four of them Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, and Adamu Isa Alhassan have since been arraigned before Plateau State High Courts 9 and 12 on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy and terrorism.
Chairman of the Cabbage Market, Isah Abdullahi, strongly defended the accused, describing them as reputable members of the market community.
“Those people are very good. One of them is even our mosque attender… These people are innocent. They don’t know anything pertaining to this thing. Even that very day that the attack took place we were with them in this market,” he said.
Abdullahi added that one of the suspects led evening prayers in the market mosque on the night of the incident, reinforcing claims that they could not have been involved.
Other traders echoed similar sentiments, expressing disbelief at the development.
“Honestly speaking… we are all surprised. If somebody told me even in a dream that these people would be involved, I would be surprised,” said John Okorocha.
Raura Davou, another trader, recalled that the accused had helped residents to safety during the attack.
“During the incident, the suspects helped us to safety and handed us over to soldiers. It is surprising to hear they are now being accused. We are calling on security agencies to investigate thoroughly,” he said.
Amaka Agobe also credited the suspects with assisting her escape.
“It was Auwalu and the other man, alongside a security man, who secured me and helped me into a vehicle,” she said.
Market leader Chigozie EzeChukwu maintained that the accused had consistently protected traders, even after the attack.
“They always secure us whenever there are issues… After the curfew was lifted, they stayed with us late into the night to ensure our safety,” he said.
The traders collectively urged authorities to prioritise due process, stressing that justice must be rooted in thorough and unbiased investigations.
As legal proceedings continue, they maintain that their demand remains clear: a fair process that will establish the truth and ensure justice for all parties involved.
