BENUE: Disciples Of Murdered Notorious Criminal Kill Cronies For Refusing To ‘Avenge’ Leader’s Death

Months after Nigerian soldiers murdered Benue State’s alleged notorious criminal, Terwase Akwaza, activities of his comrades are said to have compounded the state’s security challenges.

Akwaza, popularly known as Gana, was killed on September 8, 2020, after turning himself in for amnesty from the state government.

He was said to have terrorized the state, especially the Sankera axis comprising Katsina Ala, Ukum, and Logo Local Government Areas for almost ten years.

THE WHISTLER gathered that eight months after the late militia leader’s death, his followers have split into two factions, with one faction killing the other for refusing to join efforts to avenge his death.

A resident privy to the development told this website that Gana’s boys contributed to the recent killing of more than 100 Benue residents by alleged herdsmen.

The faction being hounded were said to have renounced crime and claimed that their leader received Christ before his death, hence was resting in heaven.

“In fairness to you, some Fulani people have alleged that their cattle were killed, so they came for reprisal,” the resident, who didn’t want his name mentioned, told THE WHISTLER.

“But the other aspect has to do with Gana (Terwase Akwaza), the kingpin that was murdered by the Nigerian Army.

“So, the Fulani herdsmen are coming after us and the Gana boys are also fighting amongst themselves. But that of the Fulani herders is more deadly in the sense that anytime they kill, they drive away the people and occupy the land.

“The Gana boys are divided into two and they are fighting amongst themselves. There are some that said Gana accepted the Christian religion and was baptized and as such would go to heaven, so let them also follow him and down tools so that when they die, they will go to heaven.

“The other faction said since he died, they should avenge his death. So, they are killing too. They are also going around killing the people that said they cannot join them to avenge Gana’s death.”

Akwaza was declared a most wanted criminal and a reward of N50 million was placed on his head when his alleged criminal activities became the primary source of security concern for the Benue State Government.

The mere mention of his name had reportedly sent trembles through the hearts of residents.

He was accused of massacres, kidnappings, assassinations, robberies, cattle rustling, terrorism and murder of many residents during his reign.