Peace Efforts Bear Fruit As Hundreds Of Militants Surrender In Ukum, Benue State.
In a significant development for security in Benue State, Ukum Local Government Council Chairman Jonathan Modi has announced that over 300 armed militants have voluntarily surrendered, contributing to a promising decline in violent activity in the region. The armed groups, primarily composed of youths from gangs known as “Full Fire” and “Chain,” have been occupying forested areas in the Sankara axis, particularly around Ukum, causing widespread disruption to local communities through kidnappings, violence, and extortion.
Chairman Modi, who assumed office less than a month ago, shared his approach of using diplomacy and community engagement to encourage the militants to renounce violence. Through this strategy, he has successfully engaged the leaders of these groups, including a recent conversation with the leader of the Full Fire group, who expressed a desire to leave criminality behind and urged his followers to return to farming.
Modi’s efforts have been supported by local traditional and religious leaders, including Rev. Fr. Dugu, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala, who has played a critical role in peace negotiations. The chairman emphasised his instructions to local security forces, advocating a non-combative approach that fosters trust among the former militants, ensuring they are not arrested as they reintegrate.
According to Modi, peace has been restored to approximately 75% of Ukum LGA, with ongoing dialogue expected to bring more members of these groups out of the forests and into peaceful civilian life. His goal is to ensure sustained security and economic revitalisation in Ukum, aiming to reduce the grievances that have driven many youths into armed groups.
The success of this initiative offers hope for stability in Benue State, which has long grappled with security challenges. Community leaders and officials continue to work collectively towards a long-term resolution, paving the way for peace in Ukum and the surrounding regions.
