Residents flee military, bandits operations in Benue community

Residents have fled Kastina-Ala rural environs in droves following sustained military operations to rid the area of suspected bandits allegedly loyal to the deceased Benue State criminal kingpin, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as “Gana”.

It would be recalled that the activities of dreaded late Gana and his gang who held hostage three LGAs of Ukum, Logo and KastinaAla informed the drafting of a special military operation to the areas by the federal government.

Locals told our correspondent in Makurdi on Tuesday night that most of the suburb in Kastina-Ala LGA had become deserted as inhabitants had relocated to Makurdi, the state capital and elsewhere for safety.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) had in recent times dealt with the criminals in the area.

The resident said he had relocated with his family just like many others to Makurdi for fear of being caught in the web.

Another resident, who also preferred anonymity, said though the soldiers had targeted the criminals but it was worrisome that the bandits themselves were divided, fighting each other and making life unbearable for the rural dwellers.

On his part, the Chief Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Kastina-Ala, Tertsea Benga, said some people, at least 30, in the area had been arrested by soldiers and their whereabouts unknown.

But, a resident from the LGA had said that the soldiers had no business with innocent people except those suspected to have links with the armed bandits allegedly loyal to Gana.

When contacted, the OPWS Force Commander, Major General Adeyemi Yekini declined to comment on the matter but directed our correspondent contact the Media Office of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja for any response.