Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has called on all those perpetrating crimes in the state, particularly, their leader, Terwase Akwaza a.k.a Gana to surrender and turned a new leaf or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
The Governor made the call on Tuesday, in Government House, Makurdi while briefing the press after the State Security Council meeting he presided over.
Ortom who stated that security of lives and property remains cardinal point of his administration said he will not surrender the state to criminals
He pointed out that his administration has long passed the amnesty or carrot period but in the stick era insisting that anyone found to be formenting trouble or aiding and abating same will be severely dealt with.
He further said that the N50 million ransom the State Government promised to give anyone with information leading to the arrest of Gana, still stands, restating his resolve to work with anyone with such information.
The Governor called on people of the State to always provide timely and useful information to security agents to help them combat crimes such as kidnapping, cultism and communal clashes as intelligence gathering remains key to the fight against criminalities.
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He commended security operatives in the state; police, Airforce, DSS and troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS as well as traditional rulers for synergizing among themselves in ensuring peace in Benue.
Governor Ortom also commended some of the newly sworn-in Council Chairmen for the measures they are taking in tackling insecurity in their domains, particularly the Chairman of Ado LG urging them to sustain their efforts.
According to Governor Ortom, EXCO also took far reaching decisions to end the pockets of land disputes involving some communities which have agreed to give peace a chance.
“We looked at the crisis in Kwande and Ogbadibo, internal clashes between Konsisha and Oju LGs with a view to bringing lasting solutions and we will not shield anyone found wanting in the cases.”
He further reiterated the need for all stakeholders to come together to rid the state of criminal elements saying government cannot do it alone.