A total of 57 inmates have regained freedom in Taraba, Nasarawa and Benue state, Webteam@Ipledge2nigeria learned that while 31 inmates regained freedom in Taraba, 14 prisoners received pardon in Nasarawa while 12 others from Benue state.

Their release is part of the state government’s commitment to give them a second chance at life.

According to the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, who announced the release of 31 inmates across the correctional services in the state, the decision underscores a commitment to compassion and giving deserving individuals a second chance at redemption.

During a state-wide broadcast, Governor Kefas reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the security of lives and property.

He said “In the spirit of renewal and progress, I am pleased to announce that, in the exercise of my prerogative of power, we shall be granting clemency to 31 deserving inmates.

“This decision reflects our commitment to justice, compassion, and the transformative power of rehabilitation.”

Similarly, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State who granted pardon to 14 prisoners serving various jail terms in Nasarawa state said the release of the prisoners was in line with the exercise of the powers conferred on him as the executive Governor of Nasarawa State under section 212(1) & (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).

He said the exercise was carried out after due consultation with the state Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy chaired by the Hon. Attorney-general/Commissioner for Justice.

According to the governor, “The following inmates are hereby pardoned and forthwith to be released from the Nigerian correctional facility.

The released inmates included the following: Sani Musa, Mohammed Maji Danjuma Anthony, Ali Mohammed, Yahuza Turaki, Ibrahim Hamza Musa, Abdullahi Usman, and ThankGod Barnabas.

Others are: Umaru Idris,  Adamu Gagare Sule, Terzumgwe Mshi,  Shehu Abubakar, Zacheous Ayuba and  Surajo Abdullahi

In a related development, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state granted pardon to 12 inmates serving various terms at the Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko Correctional Centres.

According to the Governor’s principal special Assistant, Media, Bridget Ikyado, the gesture was in conformity with the provisions of Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and as part of efforts to decongest the Correctional Centres.

She also noted that the pardon was extended to the inmates on the premise of the recommendations of the Benue State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy headed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim.

Governor Alia who admonished the released inmates to be of good behaviour as they integrate into the society and apply the skills acquired while in custody said “Give your society the very best. And as for the gentleman whose dismissal has been converted to termination of appointment, don’t take any elements of life for granted. Demonstrate your newness in your society.”

While assuring that he would continue to prioritize the welfare of inmates in Correctional Centres in the state, the Governor said, “I will make provision for better welfare for you here but this shouldn’t be home for you.

“I am quite shocked to see the faces of many young people here where there are a total of 525 inmates including 25 females, one with a baby and others who came in with pregnancy.”