Armed militia figures in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State have reportedly gone into hiding following a peace campaign meeting convened by Aondongu Peter Suleagbough, popularly known as the ‘King of Double Standards.’
Suleagbough, who is leading an anti-crime crusade across Tivland under the banner of “Truth. Justice. Unity. Accountability,” took his campaign to Ayaba, Mbatsavazum, Ukum, on Monday, November 2, declaring that communities must reclaim their land from armed groups blamed for years of killings, kidnappings, extortion, robbery and displacement.
The meeting came amid threats against Suleagbough, with one of the alleged militia figures warning him to stay away from Ukum if he valued his life. The threats reportedly prompted him to reschedule his planned engagement in Kwande and bring forward the Ukum meeting.
Matthew Zegebera, an acclaimed ex-soldier said to be loyal to Terhemen Mzaga, alias Full Fire, was among those who had reportedly threatened the peace campaigner.
In a video circulated ahead of the meeting, Zegebera was seen wearing what appeared to be protective charms, with a caption challenging Suleagbough to a confrontation.
However, following reports that Suleagbough was approaching with security operatives, Zegebera reportedly made a sudden retreat, declaring that he was not prepared to fight the government.
In a Facebook post, he was quoted as saying: “Aondongu, so it is that how you want to play the game? No, no, I can’t fight government.”
Another alleged militia figure, Dekera Hobo, popularly known as Chen, also reportedly announced that he had fled the area, expressing concern over the security force accompanying Suleagbough.
Addressing an enthusiastic gathering at Ayaba, the King of Double Standards declared that the time had come for the people of Sankera to take back their communities from criminal elements.
He particularly cautioned residents against providing armed groups with information that could facilitate kidnappings, attacks or evasion of security operatives.
Turning directly to Matthew, Chen, Full Fire and other individuals he described as criminals, Suleagbough appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all kidnapped victims.
“I am begging you to release all the kidnapped victims in your custody immediately. I have the list, and I will be waiting for their families to call me and say they are released unconditionally,” he declared.
The peace campaign is part of Suleagbough’s wider effort to mobilise communities across Sankera and other parts of Tivland against insecurity, with calls for truth, justice, unity and accountability as the foundation for restoring lasting peace.
