Jubilation over killing of Benue ‘most wanted criminal’

There was jubilation in several parts of Benue state following the reported killing of Terwase Akwaza  known as Gana.

Gana who raided several communities in Benue was reported to have been killed by soldiers on Tuesday, three years after Governor Samuel Ortom-led government placed a N10 million bounty on information that could lead to his arrest and capture.

Maude Ali Gadzama, commander of the Four Special Forces command of the Nigerian Army in Doma local government area of Nasarawa state, who confirmed the  killing said :”There was an engagement with the convoy of Gana, a shoot out ensued and the bandit was killed.”

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, said Gana was killed during a crossfire with the Nigerian Army and was awaiting full briefing by the head of the military operations .

Residents of Ukum, Logo, Gboko, Tarka and Makurdi among other places immediately rejoiced when the news of his death filtered in.

Gana’s criminal activities had affected virtually all sectors of the economy in Benue including farming and agriculture, road transportation, trading, and general night life.

He had in 2015, flouted an earlier amnesty condition given him by the Benue state government after he surrendered arms only for him to withdraw to his hideouts from where he resumed his attacks on communities.

Gana is believed to be behind the security problems in Benue state for several years engaging in alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, assassination, gun running and other criminal activities

He admitted in a television interview at a time, that he colluded with rampaging herdsmen to organise attacks on communities.

Many Benue communities have suffered from such attacks often described as farmers/ herders clash.

He was quoted as saying that he turned down an offer running into millions of naira because the attackers could not raise the amount he demanded.

A trader at the Zaki- Biam yam market, George Terver, said he received the news with gladness because he always travels on the Zaki-Biam – Gboko- Makurdi  road with goods and cash after sales .

“Whenever we are travelling to Jalingo, Makurdi and other places, we use to fear a lot because some of these people can attack on the road and one can lose his all property,” he said.

He commended the security agencies for their prompt intervention “which is yielding results”.

A farmer in Adikpo, Kwande LGA , who gave his name as Mbayoon Terhide , said Gana has succeeded in creating fear among residents just because of his selfish desire.

He said people remember the late kingpin for only the negative things hence are happy that he has been silenced.

“If not working as a thug for politicians he is said to be the one leading herdsmen to attack communities. So why shouldn’t we be happy that he can no longer harass us?” he asked.

Other residents of Markurdi said the controversy over his death is needless as the most important thing is that he can no longer continue his criminal activities.

“Some people are saying that he wanted  amnesty before he was killed but those people did not remember that he once did not honour an amnesty agreement. So how are we sure he will honur this one?” a businessman in Makurdi asked.