The Benue State Government has announced plans to establish a rehabilitation center specifically designed for youths who have been forcibly recruited into criminal activities, but not for hardened terrorists. The announcement was made by Josephine Habba, the Director General of the Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission, who emphasized that the center's goal is to assist young people coerced into armed movements rather than housing those who have committed serious terrorist acts. This clarification comes in response to misinterpretations suggesting the facility would also accommodate individuals involved in severe terrorist activities.

Habba highlighted the complex nature of insecurity in Benue State, noting that the challenges extend beyond the well-documented tensions between herders and farmers. She specifically pointed to the Sankera area, affected by long-standing armed banditry that has disrupted the lives of local communities. In her comments, she referenced the plight of over 1,800 youths who have been identified as having been abducted and forced into joining criminal gangs, serving various roles for these organizations.

The Benue State Government’s efforts, including visits by Governor Hyacinth Alia to areas with recent abductions, indicate a commitment to addressing the underlying issues of youth vulnerability and criminal recruitment. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment for these young people, the government aims to restore their agency and reintegrate them into society, which could have significant implications for reducing local crime and improving community safety in the long term.