The Benue State Government has announced a N10 million reward for anyone who volunteers information leading to the arrest of wanted criminal, Terwase Akwaza also known as Gana.
Governor Samuel Ortom made this known today at the burial of Mama Kwaghnzuul Naikyo Degarr who was also the mother-in-law to Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor at Tse-Degarr in Mbajir, Shitile, Katsina-Ala local Government Area.
Governor Ortom explained that the upward review of the reward from the earlier N5 million to N10 million would be formalized at the next State Security Council meeting.
He restated the resolve of his administration to expose criminals and advised the people against shielding hoodlums in their midst.
The Governor said those with useful security information should contact relevant authorities and gave assurance that such informants would be protected.
In separate comments, the Ter Katsina Ala, Chief Fezanga Wombo, and the State Assembly member for Katsina-Ala, Hon. Iana Jato commended Governor Ortom for what his administration is doing for Sankera people in various spheres of development and appealed for more.
Also speaking, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ijohor who recalled the challenges before the Governor in repositioning the state, stressed the need for the people particularly the clergy to sustain prayers for him to take the state to the next level.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN thanked the Governor and all who stood behind them to accord his mother-in-law, a befitting burial, praying God to reward them abundantly.
Earlier in a sermon, Reverend Father Benjamin Vesue, urged Christians to emulate the teachings of Christ by loving and caring for one another as well as being generous to others and called on people of the state to always find good reasons to identify with their leaders instead of castigating them.
Governor Ortom stopped over at Ayati village to sympathise with the community which was attacked recently by armed men leaving some persons dead. Chief Shima Ayati who received the Governor, thanked him on behalf of the family for the visit.
The Governor also visited the family of Akiga who had just laid to rest, Mrs Margaret Akiga, wife of former Minister of Sports, the late Steven Ibn Akiga.
By Charles Iornumbe
