From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia on Monday granted pardon to six inmates at the Maximum Correctional Centre in Makurdi.
Alia had granted pardon to 12 inmates in February, with the aim of rehabilitating and reintegrating the ex-convicts into the society.
The governor, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, during a visit to the facility, cited Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the basis for granting the pardon.
He emphasised that the released inmates would receive various skills training to become self-sufficient.
The governor noted that the pardon was not influenced by political reasons, but by the recommendations and testimonies of the clergy and individuals who interacted with the inmates personally, assuring that other inmates who demonstrate genuine change and remorse by exhibiting good character may be considered for pardon in the next phase.
The governor urged the released inmates to maintain good conduct and take advantage of the Makurdi Fashion Hub to learn skills and benefit from other interventions provided by his administration.
Benue State Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Services, Mary Oche thanked the governor for freeing the inmates and encouraged them to shun crime and embrace a new life.
One of the released inmates, Umar Dansabe, who was sentenced to death for armed robbery 14 years ago, expressed gratitude to the governor and promised to be of good conduct going forward.
