Army Arrest Killers of Governor Ortom’s Aide

Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Nigerian army has arrested killers of the Senior Special Assistant to the Benue state governor on Special Security, Mr Denen Igbana who was allegedly shot by gunmen in the presence of his family in 2016.

The Nigerian Army said three wanted militias confessed to the killing. The suspects were gang members of the wanted militia leader, Mr Terwase Akwaza.

This was revealed by the Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Adeyemi Yekini on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Makurdi on major offensive and bombardment of militia camps in Benue and Nasarawa states.

Governor Ortom

However, the Army is yet to reveal suspects identities but Yekini assured displaced persons that very soon, they would be returned to their homes as the army was leaving no stone unturned to clear all stronghold of the armed herdsmen.

He also said that over 40 armed herdsmen were dislodged during the military’s patrols in the area.

Two suspected members of a militia gang reported to be terrorising residents of Katsina-Ala and its environs in Benue state have also been arrested.

Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu said on Tuesday that they were arrested by Nigerians.

He said the army acted on a tip-off and recovered a locally made gun, one pistol and several rounds of ammunition.

Chukwu said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious militia gang led by one Mr Gana, who is now at large.

The Army spokesperson however said that efforts are on, to arrest other fleeing members of the gang while calling on members of the public to always report suspicious activities in their areas to law enforcement agencies for prompt action.