Gana: Tiv youths commend Nigerian Army, urge sustained onslaught on syndicate members 

The Tiv Youth Advancement Vanguard, TYAV, has commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the killing the Benue State wanted militia warlord, Terwase Akwaza alias “Gana”.

Recall that during a gun battle in a community along Gboko-Makurdi road, Nigerian Army had gunned down Mr Gana who had terrorised communities in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.

Addressing newsmen in Makurdi on Monday, the TYAV President, Barr. Tyohemba Denen, said the people of these states, particularly in Katsina-ala, Ukum and Logo local government areas of Benue State would now heave a sigh of relief.

Mr Denen said: “The people of Sankera, comprising Katsina-ala, Ukum and Logo local governments of Benue State where Terwase Akwaza Alias GANA turned into his territory; where he terrorized law abiding citizens; imposed levies and taxes on the people; raped, maimed and completely obliterated the socio- economic lives of the people of the area will remain eternally grateful to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the killing of Gana who has caused them untold pains and sorrow.”

The group, therefore, tasked the security agencies to sustain the onslaught against accomplices of the killed militia leader within and outside the territory he operated, no matter how highly placed they might be.

The group particularly asked the security agencies to investigate Senator representing Benue North East, Senator Gabriel Suswam, over alleged ties with Mr Gana.

The statement said: “The Department of State Services had in the past traced calls between Suswam and Akwaza when he (Akwaza) was declared wanted by security agencies.

“It is also public knowledge that In 2017 the Department of State Services arrested him for illegal possession of firearms following a raid on his Abuja residence.

“It is reported that the DSS found weapons ranging from a pistol with two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition, a Mini-Uzi with two magazines containing 10 rounds and four rounds, 42 extra rounds of ammunition in a pack; one AK-47; 21 Certificates of Occupancy and one offer of statutory right of occupancy; 23 luxury watches; and 45 keys to various cars.

“He was subsequently arrested in June 2018 over security issues in Benue State.”

“We believe that Gana was the leader of gang with several members. We call on the security agencies to go after his gang members, arrest and prosecute them so that permanent peace can be restored in the area.”

The Tiv youths further urged the people of Benue and Nigerians to give credible intelligence and rally round the various security agencies to rid the nation of criminals.