The Nigerian Army has reportedly interfered with the Benue State Government’s amnesty programme by arresting the State’s most wanted criminal, Terwase Akwaza popularly known as Gana who was on his way to receive the state pardon offered by Governor Samuel Ortom for a second time.
Gana had been in hiding for over 4 years after he was declared wanted for various crimes including the murder of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Denen Igbana.
Subsequently, a bounty of N5 million was placed on him, which was increased to N10 million and later N50 million to no avail.
Last week, Governor Ortom issued an ultimatum to criminals in the Benue North-East Senatorial District to surrender or face the full wrath of the law.
Read Also: 13 dead, others missing in gunmen attack in Edikwu, Benue State
On Tuesday, Gana resurfaced from hiding to yield to the amnesty programme but was intercepted midway.
The Benue State Government went ahead to grant the 42 other repentant criminals who eventually showed up the amnesty on the condition that they do not go back to their old ways and directed the Department of State Services to profile them.
There is however report of rising tension in the Benue North-East Senatorial District as a result of the arrest of the gang leader but the Governor has appealed for calm.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
