BREAKING: Gana: 17 terrorists loyal to late militia warlord, Terwase Akwaza captured in Benue

No fewer than 17 suspected kidnappers who are loyalist to late Benue terrorist, Terwase Akwaza, better known as Gana, have been arrested.

They were captured by a combined team of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and other security agents, IDOMA VOICE gathered.

The Security Adviser to Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Col Paul Hemba (retd), claimed the suspects were behind the recent abduction of some Taraba youths last week Wednesday.

Addressing newsmen on Monday, the Security Adviser said the security team was able to rescue 19 of the 23 kidnap victims from the suspects.

‘‘On 27 January 2021, some criminal elements linked to late Gana kidnapped 23 persons along Wukan-Takum road. Their aim was to trigger the inter-communal crisis between the Tiv and Jukum tribe in that axis so that they can have a respite from the pressure on them from the security forces.

‘‘Consequently, a combined team of troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, 72 Special Forces Battalion, 93 Battalion, and Mobile Policemen from Takum raided suspected hideouts where the victims were kept at Ajon, Igbudu and Tor Donga axis.

‘’The team was able to rescue 19 out of the 23 abducted victims and are in search of the remaining four.

‘‘The troops arrested 17 bandits in connection with the kidnap incident during the raid operation in different parts of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. They are currently being profiled by the DSS at 93 Battalion location in Takum Local Government Area,’’ Hemba  stated.