Tunji Wusu –
Police officers in Benue State have detained Terwase Akwaza aka Gana, the second in command of the infamous gang boss Terwase Akwaza, along with four other alleged bandits.
Two of the suspects detained are experts in producing indigenous weapons for armed robbery.
Batholomew Onyeka, the police commissioner, revealed this to reporters on Tuesday during his first press conference in his office at the Makurdi command center.
CP Onyeka claimed that upon taking office, he immediately began using all of the material and human resources at his disposal to eradicate crime in the state after receiving briefs from his predecessor regarding the activities of bandits and other criminals there.
He continued, “On August 14, 2023, at approximately 03:40 hrs., officers from Operation ZENDA JTF Tactical unit pursued and detained Kumaor Fachir Daniel, a notorious and vicious armed bandit kingpin who was best known for serving as the late Gana’s second in command along the Adikpo-Ugbema road.
Four other gang members, including Torwuese Ashiekaa, Aondongu Aligbe, Terkula Wuhe aka “Oryughurt,” and one Terhemba Sevav, a 47-year-old member of the gang from Adikpo Kwande who specialized in repairing and manufacturing firearms for the gang, were detained as a result of additional inquiry.
Two AK-47 rifles, two fake AK-47 rifles, two Beretta pistols under construction, one double barrel gun loaded with 35 live rounds, and 130 rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition were among the things reported by CP Onyeka as having been recovered from the suspects.
Other suspects, he continued, managed to flee the scene. He ordered criminals and those planning to commit crimes to stop their behavior and change their ways, declaring, “I will not tolerate criminality in Benue State.” And I’ll fight back.
“I was asked to come here to repeat what I did in Plateau State,” the CP continued. Policing with the fear of God is my goal and mission for this position. It gets really tough when you deliberately break the law and then beg for compassion. People may occasionally mistake my principles for wickedness, but they are not.
“My goals in Benue State are pretty straightforward. I’m here to make sure the people of Benue close their eyes at night. The lives and property of the Benue people are as important to us here, he continued.
The state’s citizens were urged by the commissioner to work with the police by providing pertinent information that will help the Command combat crime.
“A society free from crime creates space for long-term growth that can lift a state to new heights, especially our beloved state that is blessed with so many resources.
“Criminal elements should take note of this operation. They must accept freedom and peace now, or we will pursue them until they leave Benue.
“I do not hold the position of police commissioner. I work as a field officer. I want to reassure you that they will have nowhere to hide with me in this situation. The best course of action is for them to migrate, or else we will deal them the hit that will force them to do so somewhere so that the citizens of the state can conduct their daily lives without harassment, according to the CP.
