Benue State is on edge as a deadly resurgence of violence has swept through the region, with criminals suspected to be remnants of the late militia leader Terwase Akwaza, alias Gana, launching a fresh wave of killings and abductions. The situation has become so dire that concerned youth groups, under the banner of ‘Concerned Shitile Youths for Peace,’ have filed a strongly worded petition to police authorities, demanding immediate action to stop the criminal activities of the gang terrorizing the Sankera axis of the state.
The petition, dated July 15, 2024, and obtained by Crime Guard, alleges that the recent surge in gruesome killings, banditry, and kidnappings in Benue State is being orchestrated by Gana’s brothers, who have inherited his criminal empire, including his arms, ammunition, and loyal men. The petition reveals a chilling tally: 66 people killed in just three months across various communities—six murdered in Gugur Mbahav Michihe, 18 slaughtered in Imande Ikpa-Ukur Mbacher, and 42 massacred in Ayati Community, all in the Sankera region.
The youth group claims that Gana’s brothers have taken over his illicit enterprise since his death in 2020 during a military operation. They argue that Gana’s extensive arsenal, including over 80 AK-47 rifles hidden in the forest under his brother’s care, was never recovered by security forces and continues to fuel the violence in the region. They allege that Gana’s brothers rent out the weapons to criminal gangs, maintaining a network of terror that has left the state in chaos.
Police sources in Abuja, speaking anonymously, confirmed intelligence reports that indicate Gana’s siblings have taken over his criminal network, renting out his weapons to loyal gangs and profiting from their criminal operations. “Gana’s arms are still in the care of his brothers, who have continued his reign of terror from the shadows,” the source revealed. “These criminals are driven by greed and have no other means of survival.”
Amid rising tension, residents are pleading with the Benue State Government, police high command, and other security agencies to intervene urgently to prevent further bloodshed. “These criminals are not faceless,” said a member of the Concerned Shitile Youths for Peace. “We know who they are and where they get their weapons from—Gana’s brothers. The killing must stop now!”
In response to the escalating crisis, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to launch a manhunt for the suspects behind the ongoing terror in Benue State, with the aim of recovering all arms and ammunition and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As the people of Benue continue to live in fear, many are questioning how much longer their communities will remain at the mercy of these violent gangs and whether justice will finally be served.
Peoplesmind
