Ortom grants amnesty to 42 repentant armed youths

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has granted amnesty to the 42 repentant youths, urging them to take the opportunity seriously and reintegrate themselves in the society to live normal lives. The Governor made this known to journalists on Tuesday, adding that he got information that Terwase Akwaza also known as Gana, was forcefully taken away by a team of military men while he and other repentant youths were on their way to Makurdi where they were to be given amnesty by the State Security Council. According to him, he has spoken with the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj-Gen Yekini who promised to get back to him on the matter. “An interception at Maseje in Gboko local government area by soldiers confirmed to be men of Operation Whirl Stroke led to the apprehension of Gana while some of the other repentant persons retreated as a result of the confusion. “Also, recovered arms were also taken away by the soldiers who intercepted the convoy of vehicles conveying the repentant persons. NEWS: Nigeria to replace National Identity Card with Digital Numbers ”However, it is important to note that the amnesty programme followed after a series of requests by the traditional, political and religious leaders to armed youths terrorising Sankera to surrender illegal weapons in their possession and give peace a chance,” Ortom said. He also disclosed that though over 80 repentant youths from Katsina-Ala, 67 from Logo and 25 from Ukum Local Government Areas surrendered their arms and were being conveyed to Makurdi, only 42 made it to the destination following the incident that led to the arrest of Gana. Military misinterpreted Gov Ortom's statement, we are under attack - Benue lawmaker, Mzondu My people under attack despite military presence - Benue lawmaker, Tyough cries out Injustice, bad governance cause of terrorism - Bauchi Gov, Mohammed Gov Ortom calls for declaration of herdsmen as terrorist as suspected herders kill 7 in Benue Linus Hagher: On Governor Ortom's call for firearm licenses to responsible citizens Nigerian military calls ex-terrorists "clients", says 280 released, 603 to be freed RELATED TOPICS:ORTOM YOU MAY LIKE Edwards Inyah: Ortom’s bastion of performance in the face of unfair criticisms Sankera chiefs, elders, stakeholders laud Ortom’s projects Ortom’s CPS applauds Benue youth football talents