The state commissioner Fatai Owoseni who made the disclosure at a news briefing in Makurdi, also advised the former chairman of Konshisha local government Area, Mr Vitalis Ayormaar to immediately report himself to the police to clarify his role in the crime.
Owoseni revealed that Ayormaa had allegedly masterminded the crisis between the two warring communities and also responsible for sponsoring hired mercenaries from Guma to unleash mayhem in the area.
According to him: ” We have been looking for Vitalis Ayormaa in connection with the crisis and he has been dodging us. We have also been calling his cell phone but he always hangs our calls and finally, he has switched off his line. He is shuttling between his house in Makurdi, Aliade and Konshisha. My candid advice to him is that he should come and report himself to the police to explain his roles in the whole crisis”, he said.
Speaking on the “alleged plot by armed herdsmen to attack Benue communities after Ramadan Fast” as alleged by Venue Journalists Forum, the police commissioner debunked the allegation, saying there was no such information at police disposal.
He stated that the Joint Task Force comprises of the Nigeria police force, the military, Dss and the civil defence code-named “Operation Whirl Stroke and the reinforcement deployed to the command by the IGP, since January, have been undertaking proactive measures to prevent any untoward incident.
He said the security forces will continue to intensify efforts in the provision of adequate security until all the IDPs return to their various homes and are able to carry out their lawful endeavours without being attacked or having the fear of attack by any armed insurgent/bandit.
“The efforts of the combined forces have resulted in improved security and the gradual return of IDPs to their respective communities”, Owoseni noted
In another development, the command has arrested 23 suspects in connection with armed robbery, Kidnapping and cult-related crimes in the state.
The commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni who disclosed this explained that the security operations carried out across the state in the past two weeks, arrested four suspected armed robbers, four kidnappers and 13 suspected cultists.
The two armed robbers lost their lives in the course of exchange of gunfire with the police.
Owoseni said that a total of four rifles, made of three Ak47 and 1G-3, three Ak47 magazines, 16 rounds of live ammunition, one Dane gun and nine sets of Army camouflage uniform and Toyota cars.
He, however, said adequate Security measures with increased police visibility and joint motorised patrols have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free Eid-Fitr celebration.
While wishing all Muslims in the state happy Sallah celebration, Owoseni urged people to report any suspicious movement to the police.
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