Gana (outlaw)

Terwase Akwaza (c. 1970s – 8 September 2020) also known as Gana (sometimes spelt Ghana) was a most wanted criminal and head of a militia in Benue State, Nigeria, whose activities peaked between 2015 and 2020. According to Murphy Ganagana and George Okoh, he was likened to the heroic outlaw, Robin Hood. He terrorized the Sankera geopolitical axis comprising Katsina Ala, Ukum, and Logo local governments' area, for more than a decade. Locals ascribed magical powers of disappearing and appearing to him and trembled at the mention of his name. Hated for his crimes, he positioned himself to be seen by the Tiv people as their defender against external aggression. He was loved by the people of his village, Gbeji, for providing them with basic amenities. Gana was accused of massacres, kidnappings, assassinations, robberies, cattle rustling, terrorism and murders. He levied farmers, traders, and prominent people. Resisting to pay brought death. His supremacy battle with former allies devastated several communities. A bounty of 50 million naira was placed on his head. Covert operations as well as air and ground offensives by the Nigeria Police and military to smoke out and arrest or kill him failed. He was murdered by the Nigerian Army after he turned himself in for amnesty on 8 September 2020.