At least 300 armed local bandits terrorising the Sankera region have embraced peace within the past three weeks in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Jonathan Modi, the Chairman of Ukum LGA, made the disclosure to journalists at the weekend during an interview on the sidelines of an event marking the 59th birthday celebration of Paul Biam, the Chief of Staff to the Benue State governor in Makurdi, the state capital.
Our correspondent reports that the Sankera axis, which includes the Ukum, Logo, and Kastina-Ala local government areas, has been under siege by local outlaws who have killed many villagers over the past 10 years, crippling the viable economy of the areas.
Modi, however, explained that over 1,000 armed militia members, affiliated with two dangerous criminal groups known as “Full Fire” and “Chain,” are currently occupying forests and bushes in the Sankera area.
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He said that since he took office on October 5 following the local government council elections, over 300 of these outlaws have already voluntarily emerged from the forests to embrace peace through ongoing interactions and engagements, with more expected to follow.
