The Honourable Member for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency ,Hon.Richard Gbande has condemned in strong term the extra judicial killing of Mr Terwase Agwaza A.K.A Gana, who on the 8th day of September 2020, among other Militia groups renounced militancy and embraced the Benue State Government Amnesty Programme at Akume Atongu Stadium, Katsina-Ala.
Terwase Agwaza was allegedly ambushed and killed by men of Nigerian Army while travelling alongside his men, Traditional Rulers, Political Leaders and Clergymen on their way to Benue state capital,Makurdi .
Hon.Richard Gbande said even though he has been consistently condemning the act of terrorism perpetrated on his community by Mr Terwase Agwaza A.K.A Gana , extra-judicial killing of a surrendered (Repented Militant) cannot be condoned, insisted that the rule of law and International Humanitarian Laws on human rights are sacrosanct and must always prevail hence, extra-judicial killings of suspects is unacceptable.
What the law says is that, “if you arrest a person, he is under your control, and so as a professional military man you cannot gun him down.”
Extra-judicial killing is an infringement of the citizens’ rights to life and state violation of international human rights charter of which Nigeria is a signatory. The paper strongly recommends that Nigerian Security Agencies must be re-orientated on how best to protect the rights of the citizenry.
The Member while addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja yesterday, further called on the State and Federal Government to as a matter of urgency investigate the circumstances that led to the condemnable act and to take further measures to address social, political, economic and environmental challenges.
He then urged government to develop strategies to calm the reprehensible act that can incite banditry and criminal acts, and also address social ills that encouraged the spread of violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism, and help to build and sustain peace by addressing the root causes of the security crisis in the region.
He therefore called on the Government to foster youth, education and farmers empowerment programs in order to help address the conditions which has enabled the emergence and survival of Bandits and Criminals in his Constituency).
Hon.Gbande also urged his constituents mostly youths in the constituency to remain calm and law abiding.
