The governor of Benue, Mr Samuel Ortom has confirmed that the most wanted criminal, Terwase Akwaza, alias Gana, was killed by soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke on the outskirts of Gboko.
Disclosing the killing at a news briefing in Makurdi on Tuesday, the governor however told news men that Gana had surrendered to the Amnesty programme and was being escorted to Makurdi, when the troops arrested him at a security check point on the outskirts of Gboko.
Ortom, who disclosed to journalists that Gana was in company of the Chairman of Katsina -Ala local government council and some of his gang members, also disclosed that he had received 42 ex-criminals from Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala who had denounced criminality and surrendered their arms in Makurdi.
He also confirmed that the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Maj. Gen. Adeyemi Yekini had earlier confirmed to him that they were in possession of the wanted militia leader.
Ortom further said that Gana’s interception by the military, resulted in several others criminals being whisked away together with their arms, adding that only 42 arrived Makurdi.
“Gen. Yekini has confirmed to me that they are carrying out an operation and that he will brief me when they are done and that they are with Gana. So, I am waiting to hear from him,” he said.
He said the State Government would exercise patience until the military briefed him on the matter.
Ortom said a total of 172 people left the three local government areas of Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo for the amnesty programme in Makurdi, but that only 42 arrived there.
He said Gana was driving in a Hilux van belonging to the Katsina-Ala local government chairman, Mr Afred Atera, his security officer, at the time he was arrested by the soldiers and taken away along with several of the repentant criminals and the surrendered arms.
According to him, the decision to grant another round of amnesty for the people of Sankera was that of the traditional rulers, stakeholders from the area, including Sen. Gabriel Suswam.
Assuring the repentant criminals that he remained committed to the amnesty programme, the governor said: “I welcome you all and thank you for denouncing criminality. This is the last time we are granting amnesty to you.
“There is no condition attached to this amnesty like the 2015 one. Government will support you where necessary but it is not a condition,”he said.
