Ortom faults Nigerian army, insists Gana wasn’t killed during gunfight
Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has discredited the claims of the Nigerian army regarding the circumstances surrounding the killing of Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Gana, who had been on the radar for spearheading criminal activities in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, September 8, Ortom said Gana was intercepted by the army on his way to surrender to the state government’s amnesty programme.
He expressed dismay at the army’s decision to arrest Gana when it was aware of the amnesty programme.
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The governor also said he was waiting for the arrival of some militants who had pledged surrender when he was informed that Gana had been arrested by soldiers close to Yandev roundabout in Gboko.
He said he called a high-ranking army officer, General Yekini, to verify the information but was told that the army was carrying out an operation.
“I got the information, I contacted the commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, General Yekini, who told me that they were carrying out an operation and promised to get back to me, so I am still waiting for him,” he said.
Ortom emphasized that the security agencies are aware of the state government’s amnesty programme and wondered why the army would arrest Gana nonetheless.
The governor’s account, however, goes contrary to that of the army which claimed that Gana’s death was as a result of a gunfight that ensued during a stand-off.
Also, a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna central senatorial district, Shehu Sani has faulted the circumstances surrounding the killing of Gana.
Taking to his Twitter handle on Wednesday, September 9, Sani said the incident would dissuade other criminals from sheathing their swords in surrender.
