On Sunday, Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia of Benue State granted clemency to 12 prisoners serving various sentences at the state’s Correction Centers. Additionally, Alia converted the dismissal of a Benue State civil servant, Mr. Dennis Yogbo, to a termination of appointment. This decision was conveyed by Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in a statement released in Makurdi.
Kula explained that the Governor’s actions were based on recommendations from the Benue State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order. Alia advised the pardoned inmates to exhibit good conduct and utilize the skills they acquired while incarcerated to improve their lives.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Governor urged them to contribute positively to society. Concerned about the high number of young inmates, Alia emphasized that prisons should not be their dwelling place. He expressed shock at the presence of numerous young individuals among the 525 inmates, including 25 females and a mother with a baby, stating that these young people should ideally not be incarcerated.
Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, in his report to the Governor, mentioned that the 8-member committee thoroughly evaluated cases in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, recommending pardon for those who committed offenses against the state. The pardoned inmates were selected from Makurdi, Otukpo, and Gboko correctional facilities.
In response to their release, Barnabas Apav, speaking on behalf of the liberated inmates, expressed gratitude to Governor Alia, promising to uphold good behavior going forward. Dennis Yogbo, acknowledging his prolonged confinement of 28 years, expressed gratitude to Alia, stating that the Governor had come as a rescuer sent by God.
