Governor Ortom names ex-aide as mastermind of Benue killings
- Governor Ortom claims his former aide Terwase Akwaza, otherwise known as Ghana, is the mastermind of the recent attack on Zaki Biam which left scores dead
- The governor vows to arrest Ghana
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has accused his estranged Senior Special Assistant on Security, Terwase Akwaza, otherwise known as Ghana as the mastermind of the recent attack on Zaki Biam which left scores dead.
Ortom made this known while addressing newsmen on Thursday, March 23, after visiting victims of last Monday’s attack.
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The governor said he was pained that the state after recovering from the killings in Agatu has returned to another season of sorrow.
However, Ortom vowed that he would make sure Ghana is arrested and brought to book, Daily Post reports.
He said: “Our suspicion is clear, that this is from Ghana. This heinous act has been perpetrated by Ghana and his group who have constituted themselves into a terror group and have been terrorizing the people.
“This is not the first time they have been killing. He killed Civilian JTF, killed Vigilante Group members, killed traditional rulers, killed his uncles, he has been killing all over the place.
“Just last week about eight people were killed in Ayati in the same Ukum local government area. This time again coming to attack a market, it’s a shame.”
Ortom added: “I want to take on the Sankera community; I want to invite them to a meeting. The traditional rulers who are the custodians of the land, I will give them an ultimatum to produce him because Ghana is still residing within Gbishe area, specifically in Katsina-Ala local government.
“Security should be the responsibility of all, not just security agencies or government, it should be all of us working together to achieve peace. The police alone are not enough to provide security and at the same time do intelligence gathering and at the same time provide information.
“The people must be willing to assist them. You can imagine the consequences of living with a terrorist like Ghana. We are going to hold a Security Council meeting and we’re going to take more decisive action based on professional advice that will be given to us. We know where this is coming from and if decisive action is not taken he will continue to recruit, he’s recruiting more. You can see why I refused to arm the youths when I was campaigning and I’m against it.
“You can see the extent of damage that is being caused by this same people having guns in their hands.
“You can now appreciate why I initiated the amnesty program to receive all those weapons from these criminals that were hovering around in the name of political thugs. I want to assure that I’m going to go all out after my meeting with stakeholders here; I will let my plan known to them so that nobody is caught unawares in the process.”
Legit.ng had gathered that at least 30 people were killed in Zaki Biam, Ukum local government area of Benue state, following a raid by some gunmen suspected to herdsmen.
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The raid was carried out on Monday, March 20. A community leader, Chief Udam Wuhe, said more than 10 gunmen stormed the town from TorTonda- Zaki Biam road at about 5:00pm
Recently, Legit.ng reporters risked their lives to cover the devastation wrought by herdsmen within Southern Kaduna.
Below is a video of their findings.
Source: Legit.ng
