Terwase Akwaza widely known as Gana, was terrorising parts of Benue and Taraba states by massacres, kidnappings and terrorism making him Benue’s most wanted militia kingpin as at 2014-2015.
Gana was so notorious that he was said to be the mastermind of murderous activities of criminal gangs in the axis known as Sankera geo–political zone, comprising of Ukum, Logo and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas, and the entire Benue Zone A senatorial axis.
As the insecurity breaded by Gana abruptly sprouted, The Benue State Government in 2015 granted amnesty to Gana and over 500 persons which were said to be his retinue.
The kingpin surrendered and handed over a large catchment of arms and ammunitions to the Benue State Amnesty Programme put together by Governor Samuel Ortom in 2015, and was subsequently pardoned.
However, the peace move was foiled after the killing of the Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor on Security, Denen Igbane, in 2016. After the incident, the militia leader went back to the bush.
Gana Met is waterloo when he was urged by some prominent indigenes on the 8th of September 2020, to drop arms and embrace peace in which Gana conceded to.
A source told Punch that Gana was in convoy with Chairman of the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Alfred Atera, and a priest when he met his end.
“The militia leader sat in-between the Chairman of the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Alfred Atera, and a priest in one of the cars in the government convoy.” The source said
Gana was pulled out of the vehicle and was instantly taken to Gboko area of the state by the soldiers where he was pronounced dead.
His corpse was later deposited in an undisclosed hospital mortuary in the state.
Meanwhile many notables has condemned the killing of Gana saying it is a breach of trust and integrity which might sprout more insecurity in Benue state.
(C) Control TV 2020.
