Northern CAN, Middle Belt Forum, Reject Katsina Govt’s Plan To Release 70 Bandits

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, under the leadership of Rev. Yakubu Pam, Middle Belt Forum (MBF), have rejected the planned release of 70 suspected bandits, describing the move as dangerous.

Speaking exclusively with LEADERSHIP on the telephone, Northern CAN Secretary-General, Elder Sunday Oibe, while condemning the reported proposal by the Katsina State Government to release 70 bandits currently in custody, warned that it will encourage other criminal groups to spring up and engage in crimes.

Oibe, who is also the chairman of the Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject the plan as well.

According to CAN, “We heard about the news that the Katsina state government is planning to release bandits, and we hope that it is not true. If it is true, then it is the height of unseriousness that Nigerians should be worried about.

If people who have decided to take arms against their fatherland, destroy innocent people, send people to their early graves, make life unbearable for the people, put panic in the hearts of the people, both old and young. Now, a government that was elected and sworn by the constitution that it will defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by protecting lives has now decided to grant freedom or pardon to the bandits. It is unfortunate”

CAN said, “These are people who have decided to take arms against their fatherland, and somebody is treating them as if they have the right to do what they are doing. So, what the government is doing is encouraging others to follow. For us, we don’t accept that and there is no reasonable person who will accept that type of thing”

CAN added, “Now if another group of people springs up tomorrow and does, the same thing then after they kill innocent Nigerians and make life difficult for them, then you grant them amnesty,, or you pardon them this is rather unfortunate, and what this portends is Nigerians should be careful and look very well the type of people they put as their leaders”

“We are not happy about it, and we don’t accept it because what is he going to do with the innocent lives that have been lost at the hands of the activities of these bandits? Will he bring them back? Is he going to compensate them in their graves? People should be cautious when they hold political power because power is a transcendent force. Power comes today and goes tomorrow,” CAN stated.

Also, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) warned that Nigeria cannot negotiate away justice or reward terror with freedom.

Reacting, MBF spokesman, Luka Binniyat, urged Nigerians to resist Katsina state government’s proposal, “MBF unequivocally condemns the reported proposal by the Katsina State Government to release 70 bandits currently in custody. This dangerous idea amounts to an open validation of terrorism now cynically rebranded as “banditry,” and reinforces growing fears that some state actors are sponsors, enablers, or appeasers of mass violence”

MBF added, “Releasing hardened criminals who have murdered, raped, displaced, and impoverished communities is callous, insensitive, unjust, and wholly unacceptable. It mocks the pain of victims and desecrates the memory of those slaughtered. Where is justice for widows, orphans, and devastated villages?

“MBF insists that such actions must be resisted by all men and women of honour and conscience. Nigeria cannot negotiate away justice or reward terror with freedom,” Binniyat said.