The Benue State Amnesty Programme has ended with a total of 366 weapons recovered from about 175 criminals out of the 700 persons who embraced the State Government Clemency Programme.

The State Governor, Samuel Ortom, while rounding up the amnesty programme of disarmament, said that anybody or groups caught terrorising the state would be severely dealt with.

Consequently, the Governor was billed to flag-off a two day skill acquisition retreat for the repentant criminals and cult boys, who over the years, were responsible for several killings in the state.

Mr Terwase Agwaza, who embraced the amnesty programme in August, while submitting the arms and ammunition to the Governor, requested for a four weeks extension to enable him turn in his foot soldiers and afford them another chance in life.

Mr Agwaza, the most wanted crime leader in Benue and Taraba States, kept his word during the four weeks window to ensure a crime free Wukari/Zaki-Biam axis before turning his boys in for the amnesty.

He said that his life as a gang leader was all in the past along with his gang members, who are willing to learn a trade.

Some of the boys, who lost their focus in life due to criminal activities, told Channels Television that they have repented.

With the amnesty offer no longer on the table, security agents had been directed to hunt down known criminals, while the 38 convicted criminals granted state pardon will join the 700 repentant criminals for a skill acquisition retreat next week.

Governor Ortom had earlier granted pardon to 38 convicted criminals serving their sentences at various prisons of the State.

In the exercise of his power of prerogative of mercy, the Governor also paid the fines levied on 74 inmates convicted with the option of fine in Kaduna State and other prisons in Benue state.

One of the inmates granted state pardon, authored a book on righteousness while in prison, in addition to learning a trade like many others during their incarceration. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Governor Ortom.

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