Newsonspot.com.ng reports that Terwase Agwaza popularly known as Gana, a wanted criminal gang leader in Benue state, northcentral Nigeria, was killed hours after he surrendered for the amnesty programme in Katsina-Ala township stadium in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue North senatorial zone on Tuesday, September 8.
Recall that a bounty of N10m had been placed on the Benue gang leader declared wanted years ago before he surrendered on Tuesday. September 8 was the second time he gave up himself after surrendering catchment of arms and ammunition to Benue amnesty programme of Governor Samuel Ortom, which he granted to restive youths in his first tenure.
But shortly after, he parted ways with the Ortom – led government then in All Progressive Congress (APC) after their relationship went sour and returned to the forest. Gana, who was accused of the murder of Governor Ortom’s aide on security, Denen Igbana and was believed to be the brain behind criminal activities in Sankera geo-political zone comprising Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas and the entire Zone A senatorial.
It was learned that the insecurity in the zone became unbearable, forcing Sankera led by Senator Gabriel Suswam and some elders in the area to strike another deal for amnesty. The report added that the surrendered gang leader was being conveyed to Government House Makurdi where Governor Ortom will again receive him.
However, on Tuesday evening, the military confirmed that Gana had been killed. Giving an update on the development, Brigadier General Maude Ali Gadzama, the Commander of the Four Special Forces command, Doma local government area, confirmed Gana was gunned down in a battle with operatives.
While the military said Gana was killed in a gun battle with operatives, Governor Sam Ortom alleged that the wanted Benue gang leader was seized from a convoy of repentant militants on its way to the Government House for a peace meeting.
However, Governor Ortom accused soldiers of abducting Gana from a Government convoy of repentant militants in Gboko after the wanted Benue gang leader had earlier surrendered on Tuesday with 172 militia boys in Katsina-Ala local government in Benue.
It was learned that Gana and 172 militia boys were on their way to Makurdi when they were intercepted by military officials, Ortom alleged.
Click here to see graphic photos of dead Gana.
