By Our Correspondent
The Government of Benue State has requested federal approval to establish a Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) centre to rehabilitate about 400 repentant bandits. The proposal marks an important milestone in the state’s determined efforts to restore stability and rebuild communities affected by prolonged insecurity.
After a biometric profiling exercise identified more than 1,800 individuals allegedly connected to banditry, approximately 400 indicated their willingness to renounce violence and participate in a structured rehabilitation process.
The planned DDR programme is intended for local individuals ready to surrender and reintegrate into society, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing insecurity through practical and sustainable measures.
Under the proposed framework, participants would undergo rehabilitation for six months to one year.
The programme would provide psychosocial support, vocational training, civic education, and skills acquisition designed to prepare them for lawful and productive livelihoods. By equipping participants with employable skills, the initiative seeks to promote self-reliance and reduce the risk of reoffending.
The rehabilitation plan also includes individuals who may have been coerced into criminal networks, offering them an opportunity to rebuild their lives within a structured environment. This approach highlights the state’s unwavering resolve to promote unity, healing, and long-term social stability.
Beyond the rehabilitation centre, the initiative forms part of a peace-building strategy focused on strengthening security measures, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and restoring public confidence.
If approved, the programme would represent a significant milestone in Benue’s security response, combining accountability with reintegration to support lasting peace and community resilience.
