Taraba’s ‘Black Widow’: The Rise and Arrest of Janet Igohia

Janet Igohia was known in her Taraba community as a devoted mother, seamstress, and churchgoer. Behind the scenes, she financed kidnappings, collected ransoms, and supplied weapons to bandits striking travelers and farmers. Widow of notorious leader Terwase “Gana” Akwaza, she didn’t repent after his death. Instead, she allied with his successor and climbed higher in the gang’s hierarchy, living off blood money while wearing a cross and attending services. Her January 2024 capture by the Nigerian Army was the result of a sting operation. Intelligence from her interrogation led to raids on camps in Kashimbila and Donga forests, yielding weapons and liberating victims. Janet is behind bars now, but her story is a warning. How many other “ordinary” Nigerians—mothers, traders, church members—are secretly fueling this kidnapping crisis?

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