Following the gruesome murder of the repentant militia leader, Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana by men of the Nigerian Army, the Benue State Security Council has resolved to meet with stakeholders of the Sankera axis which includes Kastina- Ala, Ukum, and Logo local government areas on Friday 11th September 2020.
State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who announced this today at the Government House, Makurdi, while briefing journalists after the State Security Council meeting, said the meeting would review the situation in Sankera area following the incident.
He stated that the Council also resolved to continue with the amnesty programme to cover those who retreated, even as he allayed fears of the repentant youths who may be intending to be part of the programme.
Governor Ortom explained that the 42 youths from Logo were successfully profiled and allowed to go back home, pointing out that a committee headed by Security Adviser to the Governor, Paul Hembah, was constituted to work out some support for the repentant youths.
He said his Special Advisers on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as that of Special Duties, Jerome Torshimbe and Joseph Odaudu would also be part of the committee.
The Governor said Council Chairmen of Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum Local Government Areas would also be co-opted into the committee which responsibility also includes identification of skills of the repentant youths for necessary intervention.
He said security had been beefed up in Sankera to prevent breakdown of law and order as a result of the death of Gana.
Governor Ortom acknowledged the peaceful disposition of the people of Sankera in spite of the incident and urged them to sustain the conduct as everything was being done to guarantee the security of lives and property.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
