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By Mike Odeh James
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, has expressed deep concern and consternation over the recent pardon granted to bandits by the Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani.
In a press release on Sunday, December 1, 2024, Chairman of Middle Belt Forum Kaduna chapter, Luka Binniyat expressed indignation that the governor’s decision to grant pardon to the bandits is unacceptable, given the heinous crimes they have committed against citizens in Birnin Gwari axis of the state and beyond for over a decade.
The MBF stated that the bandits have been accused of serial mass murder, mass kidnapping, rape, arson, and other crimes, and that granting them pardon is a slap in the face of their victims. The organization also questioned the governor’s power to forgive persons accused of federal crimes, such as banditry, capture, and occupying Nigerian territories.
According to the MBF, past governments of Zamfara and Katsina states have tried similar exercises, which ended up escalating the criminality of the bandits. The organization expressed fear that the same scenario may play out in Kaduna State.
The MBF also criticized the plan to rehabilitate the bandits, stating that it is an insult to their victims, who are still living with the scars of their wickedness. The organization wondered how the bandits would return to the same communities they had terrorized and pillaged and hope to live peacefully with those who survived their terror.
Furthermore, the MBF expressed concern that the “repentant” bandits may play a prominent role in the 2027 general elections as armed thugs for political parties and politicians. The organization cited the example of Borno State, where “repentant” Boko Haram terrorists have continued to carry out criminal acts.
In addition, the MBF stated that the bandits have displaced and are occupying several communities in Kauru, Kachia, Kajuru, and Chikun LGAs in Southern Kaduna. The organization reported that the bandits are holding scores as hostages and placing levies on farmers before they can farm and harvest their crops.
The MBF emphasized that the Nigerian military has placed price tags on the heads of some of the bandits due to the grievous crimes they have committed against citizens and the Nigerian state.
The organization called on the government to take decisive action against the bandits, rather than granting them pardon. The MBF also urged the government to provide assistance to the victims of the bandits’ attacks, rather than celebrating and pampering the perpetrators.
In conclusion, the MBF reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, security, and safety of all residents of Kaduna State, but emphasized that this must be done through justice and fairness, rather than through the pardon and rehabilitation of bandits.
