The Benue State Government has formally sought the approval of the Federal Government to establish a Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) centre for repentant local bandits in the state as part of efforts to restore peace and security.
The Director-General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, Josephine Habba, disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists in Makurdi, the state capital.
Habba explained that the request had been forwarded to the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, stressing that the proposed centre would focus on rehabilitating individuals of Benue origin who were drawn into banditry under coercive circumstances.
According to her, many of those identified were not hardened criminals but were forced to serve as foot soldiers for armed groups operating in forest areas across the state.
“These persons are not necessarily criminals but were taken in to do dirty jobs for those in the forest because they know that if they (local bandits) come out, they would be recognised, so they needed foot soldiers,” she said.
Habba further revealed that biometric data collected by the state government showed that over 1,800 individuals had been identified in connection with such activities. However, about 400 of them have indicated willingness to lay down their arms and undergo rehabilitation.
She noted that the proposed DDR centre would also cater to women and other vulnerable persons who were abducted by bandits and forced into supporting roles.
“Even pregnant women were abducted and turned to their cooks,” she added, emphasising that the initiative is aimed at providing psychological support, vocational training, and structured reintegration into society.
The peace commission boss maintained that setting up the DDR facility would not only help decongest correctional facilities but also address the root causes of insecurity by offering a pathway to reform for those ready to renounce violence.
She expressed optimism that the Federal Government would approve the request, describing the initiative as a critical step towards sustainable peace in Benue State.
