Abducted pregnant women among 400 repentant bandits – Benue govt

The Benue State Government has revealed that several pregnant women who were reportedly abducted and compelled to work as cooks for armed groups are among the 400 local bandits that have expressed willingness to lay down their arms and undergo rehabilitation ahead of reintegration into society.

The disclosure comes amid backlash trailing the state’s proposal to establish a rehabilitation facility for repentant bandits a plan that has drawn criticism from some residents who questioned the motive behind the initiative.

Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the Director-General of the Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, Josephine Habba, clarified the rationale behind the government’s move to seek federal clearance for the creation of a Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Centre.

Habba stated that the proposed centre is intended to reform and reintegrate individuals, especially those who were forced into criminality against their will.

She lamented the unrelenting insecurity affecting Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas, emphasizing that urgent and structured measures are required to restore stability in the Sankera axis.

According to her, the facility, once approved by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, will be sited in Logo Local Government Area and funded by the United Nations.

Giving more details, Habba said, “We all know the story of Sankera. Those abducted victims were often used as foot soldiers or compelled to carry out dangerous errands for those hiding deep within the forest.

“Even pregnant women were abducted and turned over to their cooks. The number of people from the biometrics we have done is over 1,800, but 400 are willing to be rehabilitated.”

She added, “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.

“My commission has worked out a plan which will be unveiled at a peace summit on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, that captures everything and ensures that these people graduate and are given certificates”, she said.