‘Reverse the release of 11 convicted murderers- Gaba Community begs Gov. Bago

…..says that their return into the community will trigger crisis 

By Daniel Ebi, Minna 

The Gaba Development Association has called on Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, to reconsider the unconditional pardon granted to eleven individuals convicted of murder as their return may trigger fresh crisis 

IVice Chairman Yakubu Maji Isa made this known while speaking with newsmen at the NUJ press center.

He expressed deep concerns regarding the implications of releasing these individuals, particularly in light of the violent crimes committed against members of the community.

Isa emphasized that the pursuit of justice through the judicial system was a vital process for the community, which has suffered significant loss due to murder. 

“After our people have been murdered, we believe that we deserve justice,” he stated. 

He warned that an unconditional release of the convicted murderers could set a dangerous precedent, not only for the Gaba community but potentially for the entire Nupe area.

He argued that allowing these individuals to regain their freedom may encourage a culture of impunity, suggesting that it would send the message that taking a life bears minimal consequence.

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 “It’s like giving a kind of liberty for people to do wanton killing without any regard to the sanctity of life,” Isa remarked.

The Vice Chairman highlighted the emotional distress faced by the families of the victims, particularly the children who would have to confront those responsible for their parents’ deaths.

 “You can imagine a child seeing somebody that murdered his father,” he said. “You know what the outcome of that could be.”

Isa appealed to the state government and the judiciary to revisit the decision regarding the pardon, underscoring the need for justice to serve as a deterrent against future violence. 

He stressed that allowing convicted murderers to walk free undermines the rule of law and could potentially embolden others to commit similar acts.

 “If this case is allowed to go, it has become a kind of Fiat that maybe, if you don’t have land, you can go and grab somebody’s land, kill the person, and the worst that will happen is that you are taken to court.”

In conclusion, he reiterated the community’s urgent request for the governor to reconsider the plight of the Gaba people, ensuring that justice prevails and preventing further suffering for those already traumatized by violence.