The Digest:
The Katsina State Government has defended its controversial move to facilitate the release of 70 persons facing trial for alleged banditry, describing it as a necessary step to sustain peace accords with armed groups. The state's Commissioner for Internal Security likened the action to a "prisoner exchange" aimed at consolidating fragile agreements that have, according to the government, secured the release of about 1,000 kidnapped victims.
Key Points:
- Katsina State plans to release 70 individuals on trial for banditry-related offenses.
- The government justifies the move as part of peace deals with "repentant bandits."
- Commissioner Nasir Muazu stated that the deals have led to the release of approximately 1,000 abductees across 15 LGAs.
- A leaked Ministry of Justice letter requested judicial intervention to free the suspects.
- The action is facing widespread public outrage and criticism from security experts.
- An expert called the plan "dangerous" and questioned the sincerity of the government.
- A civil society group demanded compensation for the victims' families if bandits are released.
- The decision comes amid a resurgence of bandit attacks in some areas with existing peace deals.
Sources: Daily Trust, Vanguard
