Ortom Expresses Shock Over Death Of ‘Gana’

…Orders Investigation

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has expressed shock over the killing of the state’s most wanted criminal, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as ‘Gana’, by the military.

He made his feelings known during a news briefing at the Government House in Makurdi, on Wednesday.

He also briefed the press on the state of the second amnesty programme of his administration which covers the Sankera geopolitical zone of the state.

Recall that THE WHISTLER had exclusively reported earlier that the governor would address the media on the death of Gana.

Gana was killed on Tuesday on his way to the Government House in Makurdi, when the government convoy he was travelling in was intercepted by the military.

He and 172 other militia boys had earlier surrendered to traditional rulers, priests and local government officials in Katsina-Ala Local Government Wrea of the state.

Ortom said he was, however, awaiting briefing from the Commander of Operation Ayem Akpatuma from Doma in Nasarawa State, Moundhey Gadzama Ali, who promised he was coming to brief him on their operations.

According to him, five repentant youths from Ukum Local Government Area, who were among those arrested by the Nigerian Army, were released and were conveyed to the Government House by the Chairman of the local government, Stephen Ayua, to be part of the amnesty offer.

He disclosed that those who could not make it to the state capital, as a result of the confusion caused by the military operation, would be given another chance.

He added that the amnesty programme was not truncated.

He called for calm from the people of Sankera, adding that he was still investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest and killing of Gana before taking any action on the matter.

Furthermore, the governor said he had a duty was to protect the lives and property of the Benue people.