Terwase Akwaza: Suswam warns against war over killing of Gana (Full text)

Former Governor of Benue State and Senator representing Benue North East, Sen. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, has broken his silence on the murder of surrendered “Benue Most Wanted Terrorist”, Mr. Terwase Akwaza alias Gana by the Nigerian Army on 8, September 2020.

The lawyer-turned lawmaker in a press release entitled “A Time To Heal”, said at a time like this, it dawn on statesmen to ‘wiggle out of their wigwams’ to calm the stormy voyage of the society.

“At times of uncertainties and crisis, it is incumbent on statesmen to stand out and douse situations especially those that threaten the good order of society.  The role of elders at times like this is not to inflame passions or fan the embers of hate but to heal all wounds . We are at such a critical juncture in our existence in Benue State,” he wrote.

“The events of September 8 2020 in my senatorial district where repentant criminals who had surrendered after extensive persuasions were singled out and killed extra-judicially leaves a sour taste and has opened a gaping wound that requires all efforts to heal.

“It is no secret that my senatorial district has been traumatized and the people terrorized by activities of criminal gangs led by MR Terwase Agwaza alias Gana for many years. The consequences of this endless terrorism have been a steady decline of economic and social activities leaving a once prosperous people pauperized. Markets no longer attract traders, schools are closed and farmlands abandoned. Politics in the area has become war with uncontrolled proliferation of dangerous weapons,” the former house of Representative member wrote.

The Anyiin-born politician said no well-meaning leader will watch his constituency being turned into a ‘safe heaven” for crime.

“No responsible leader will idly standby and watch his community become a theatre of war and a gangster’s paradise.  It is with this solution mindset that traditional rulers, clergymen and elders of the area decided to utilize means of constructive engagement and dialogue to ensure that youths of the area do not become tools for the destruction of that society.

“The Benue State Government along with the security agencies have long desired for a return to normalcy,  peace , prosperity and security of the area.  We have all been in agreement that the continuous existence and activities  of gangs is an ill wind that blows no one any good.  That is why some leaders were mandated to reach out to these outlaws to persuade them to drop their  arms and channel their energies towards the rebuilding of our thoroughly battered community,” Suswan wrote.

He said all were pleased to see the dreaded Gana lay down his weapons to the warm embrace of peace.

“We were all excited to see the dreaded Gana come out of hiding to the warm embrace of our Traditional Rulers, Clergy and political leaders at a public function at the Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina Ala. Our joy was multiplied when we saw him along with his militia surrender arms and publicity renounce a life of crime. Our reverred  King extracted a pledge from him never to turn his kingdom into a wasteland.

“Those present at this forum heaved a great sigh of relief with the thought that finally, a life full of uncertainty has come to and end,” he wrote.

The elder statesman, maintained that what the army did was not the best approach, noting that insecurity risk in the area has escalated.

“I was totally dumbfounded to learn that while Gana was on his way to Makurdi the state capital to present himself to the State Governor who was waiting, his long convoy that included political leaders, Traditional rulers, clergymen and security agencies…