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Two traditional rulers, a local government council deputy chairman and a Councillor, have been arrested and handed over to the police in connection with the recent killing of an army Captain and 11 soldiers in Benue State.
Governor Samuel Ortom, who disclosed this on Monday, said the four persons arrested included two monarchs, the deputy Chairman of Konshisha local government council and a councilor representing Mbatser/ Mbaguaza ward in the area.
He identified those arrested and handed over to the police as, Sam Kave (Deputy Chairman), Tersoo Mela (Councillor), Chief Emmanuel Adegbenda (Kindred Head of Mbator) as well as District Head of Iwuarayam, Chief Unaha Koko, noting that the people were handed over to the police to ensure that those who committed the crime are arrested and brought to book.
Ortom also announced after an expanded meeting of the Benue State Security Council held at the Government House in Makurdi on Monday, that 10 weapons including one machine gun and eight AK-47 have been recovered and handed over to  the Nigerian Army.
“We have been able to do a lot in the recovery. One AK-47 was recovered by the military while eight others were recovered by the stakeholders through dialogue. That means that nine out 12 AK47 as well as the machine gun that was taken away from the vehicle has also been recovered and handed over to the military. Three more yet to be recovered.”
The weapons were taken away from soldiers that were killed by members of a militia group popularly known as ‘Bonta Boys’ in Bonta community of Konshisha Local Government Area of the state.
While expressing appreciation to the Defence Minister and other top military officers for allowing the stakeholders try to recover the arms, Ortom said, “The Security Council also resolved that the governor lead a delegation to President Muhammadu to apologise and condole him on what happened in Konshisha and also  visit Konshisha to access the situation. The State Executive Council will look at what will be appropriate to give to families of those soldiers who were killed”.
On the humanitarian crisis arising from the crisis, the governor said the Executive Secretary of State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Dr. Emmanuel Shior had visited the area and have submitted a report to see how all those who were affected are also assisted.
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