Governor Bago grants state pardon to 11 death row convicts in Niger State

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has granted unconditional pardons to eleven death row inmates in a bold move to heal divisions in Lavun Local Government Area. The governor’s decision seeks to mend fractured relations between warring communities while demonstrating the power of mercy in governance.

Attorney-General Nasiru Mu’azu revealed the development during a Minna press briefing on Tuesday, explaining the pardon involved convicts from deadly Gaba-Anfani communal clashes. These clashes had previously claimed lives and destroyed property, leaving deep scars across the affected communities.

After thorough review with the State Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Bago invoked constitutional powers to approve the clemency. Mu’azu stressed this pardon forms part of ongoing peacebuilding efforts following successful mediation between the feuding groups.

The official Instrument of Pardon, signed May 28 and subsequently gazetted, covers eleven beneficiaries including Mohammed Mohammed and Abubakar Salihu. This legal gesture complements the administration’s broader initiative to reduce inter-communal violence statewide.

When questioned about extending similar clemency, Mu’azu advised other aggrieved parties to submit formal petitions for consideration. He emphasized the government’s openness to reviewing comparable cases through proper channels while maintaining judicial rigor.

Local observers have welcomed the decision as a milestone in resolving the Gaba-Anfani conflict, noting its potential to set a precedent for conflict resolution. The governor’s office reaffirmed its dedication to balancing justice with social harmony across Niger’s diverse communities.

This landmark exercise of executive clemency highlights Governor Bago’s commitment to transformative leadership through constitutional means. By prioritizing reconciliation over retribution, the administration aims to break cycles of violence while upholding the rule of law.

The pardoned individuals now face the challenge of reintegrating into communities once torn by bloodshed. Their release symbolizes both the complexities of transitional justice and government’s role in healing societal wounds through courageous policy decisions.

As Niger State continues its peacebuilding journey, this case serves as a reminder that true justice sometimes requires compassion alongside accountability. The government maintains that such measured interventions can foster lasting stability when implemented with community participation and transparency.

Residents await to see whether this pardon will achieve its intended purpose of permanent reconciliation. Meanwhile, the administration monitors the situation closely while exploring additional measures to prevent future conflicts across the state’s flashpoints.

The governor’s bold action demonstrates how executive powers can address deep-rooted disputes when applied judiciously. This development marks a significant chapter in Niger State’s ongoing efforts to transform conflict into cooperation through innovative governance approaches.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook