BREAKING: Ortom To Address Press On ‘Controversial’ Killing Of Benue’s Most Wanted Criminal By Military

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, will today address the press over the killing of Benue’s most wanted criminal, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as “Gana.”

This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Information, Ngunan Addingi, in a telephone interview with THE WHISTLER.

Gana and other criminals were granted amnesty by the state government and subsequently went to surrender their arms and ammunition at the Katsina-Ala Local Government area on Tuesday.

However, while on their way to the Government House in Makurdi, the military intercepted and killed him in Gboko Local Government.

He, alongside 172 militia boys had earlier reportedly surrendered to traditional rulers, priests, and local government officials in Katsina-Ala.

The Commander of the Four Special Forces command, Doma local government area, Maude Ali Gadzama said Gana was killed in a firefight with military personnel.

But, Ortom said the soldiers seized him.

When asked why the government would grant amnesty to Gana after he had been declared wanted, Addingi said she had no answer to that.

She said: “I totally have no response to that. I can not lie to you, I truly do not have an answer for that.”

Also, on why the military would intercept and pick him up in a government convoy, the information commissioner noted again that she had no response for that.

She added that the governor would address the media later in the day.

She added: “We’re waiting for his excellency to address the press today.”

Recall that Gana had twice this year, outsmarted the military when his hideouts were raided in May and July.

During the two raids, the military claimed he escaped with gunshot wounds.

Gana had been on the watch-list of the Benue State government in connection to killings in Zaki Biam area of the state. Ortom also placed a ransom on his head.

Recall also that the Nigerian Police Force had in 2017, declared Gana wanted. He has since then evaded arrest.