Killing of Gana:Gov. Ortom Shocked, Asks Military For Explanation; Calls For Calm |The Source

By Adesina Soyooye

The killing of Benue’s most wanted criminal, Terwase  Akwaza, aka, Gana, by the Army on Tuesday has attracted both condemnations and commendations, even as what led to it is still shrouded in controversy.

Gana was killed along the Gbese-Gboko-Makurdi Road by Soldiers who were mobilised to roadblocks, according to their Commander, on getting intelligence report on Gana’s movement.

Gana was on his way to the Government House Makurdi, to take advantage of the amnesty granted to him, his gang members and other criminals in the state. He left his hideout on the invitation of the amnesty council and Governor, Samuel Ortom who had granted the amnesty. Gana had recently repented, and agreed to put down his arms and embrace peace.

Government vehicles were sent to pick him and members of his gang. Sadly, their movement went awry when they were intercepted by Soldiers at a roadblock.  He was killed during what the Army said was “an exchange of gun fire.”

The other gang members were arrested, but four of them have been released and allowed to continue their journey to Makurdi.

Reacting to Gana’s killing, Governor Ortom expressed shock, and wondered why he was killed when he was on his way to surrender to the Government.

He said that on hearing of his killing, he called the Commander  Major General Moundhey Ali, who said he would come to Makurdi to brief him. He regretted that the Commander had still not come to brief him as at the time he was briefing the press.

Ortom told Journalists on Tuesday: “Shortly after we left yesterday (Monday) night, there was a press statement issued by the Special Force, that is, Operation Ayema Kpatema, in Doma, Nasarawa.

“I reached out to the Commander of the Force, and told him that I was surprised and needed an explanation.

“He assured me that he would come and brief me, but I must say that I am shocked at what happened. I do not want to join issues with the Military, but I have a duty to protect the lives of the people.

“I want Benue people, especially, Sankera people to remain calm.”

But many people doubt that there was a shoot-out, and question what they see as Gana’s extra-judicial murder. He was in the same official vehicle of the Chairman of a Local Government Council who was taking him to Makurdi, in a Government convoy. About 200 of them were being expected, but less than 45 arrived.

Many think Gana’s murder will have a negative effect on the Government’s amnesty program, agreed upon with security agencies and traditional rulers.

Yet, there are others who believe that given Gana’s reputation, he deserved what he got.

Said a discussant on a television programme Wednesday evening:”The military should be commended. Gana was merciless and brutal. He killed and kidnapped many people. He deserved no amnesty.”

For now, the Benue State Government is still waiting for an explanation from the Military so as to understand how a Government convoy was intercepted, their occupants arrested, one of them, the most wanted, killed, and Government vehicle impounded.