By admin 
Thousands of armed bandits loyal to two deadly criminal gangs called ‘Full Fire’ and ‘Chain’ are currently occupying the forests and bushes of Ukum Local Government Area of Sankara axis of Benue State.
This was disclosed to journalists over the weekend by the Executive Chairman of Ukum Local Government Council, Jonathan Modi.
Modi stated that what they have in Ukum is a mafia, and deadly criminal gangs consisting of Full Fire and Chain who have recruited so many boys who were permanently living in the forest and bushes where they come from to unleash terror on the people of the area .
Ukum LGA is one of the three local government areas that form the Sankara axis of the state.
The axis continues to witness an unprecedented wave of kidnappings, mutilations, killings, displacement of people and disruption of socio-economic activities, and holds communities hostage for ransom.
He added that as chief security officer of the local government area, he had issued a directive that no one should be arrested for being a militiaman.
Modi explained that when he assumed office barely a month ago, he was able to create a platform where he engaged the criminals in discussions and instilled confidence in them on the need to embrace peace and ensure the security of Zaki-Biam and the entire Ukum- ash to be restored.
He said such interactions and clashes have already brought out more than 300 armed bandits from the forest to embrace peace, while more are still expected.
“Two days ago, Bishop Dugu was at the Full Fire group where he engaged the leader, and they spoke and the young man had already surrendered.
“He said he is no longer interested in crime and banditry, that his people should go back to the farm, that he wants to rest and that he is tired of being in the bush.
“I also talked to these guys, we took pictures together and I gave them that confidence. They are numerous in number.
“In Ukum LGA alone we have more than 1,000. I don’t know of any other local government areas in Sankara axis yet, but in Ukum there are more than 1,000. And so far, more than 300 of them have already come out of the forest and are communicating we steadily with each other.
“Most of them have confessed that they have not seen Zaki-Biam city for the past three to four years. That confession is on paper. I made that possible because I was called to serve.
“I am well prepared for this position of chairman, I have only been in office for three weeks and have done a lot in the field of safety.
“I used diplomacy to get these guys out of hiding. It is brain work, not magic, I have to think, because I am a young person and I know what is good for the youth.
“I have that confidence and to be able to do that, most of them called that I brought them to the city of Zaki Biam. Right now, as I am talking to you, peace has returned to 75% in Ukum LGA. I called in the militia and they’re gone now.
“The traditional rulers are also doing a lot by involving these boys. The church is also led by the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Rev. Fr. Dugu also does a good job of involving them.
“Today the bishop also called in the other group led by Chain. I spoke to them as a brother, as a friend, and I gave them a platform and asked them to come out, and they came out.
“So I have already given instructions through our security heads that we have in Ukum LGA as the chief security officer that no one should be arrested.”