The Katsina State Government has defended its move to facilitate the release of 70 individuals standing trial for alleged involvement in banditry, saying the plan is part of ongoing efforts to consolidate peace agreements with armed groups operating in the state. The explanation comes amid public outrage over a leaked government letter seeking judicial intervention to secure the release of the suspects currently facing prosecution.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the decision was aimed at sustaining peace accords reached between affected communities and what he described as “repentant bandits.” Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday, Muazu maintained that the agreements were crucial to restoring stability in troubled areas of the state.
According to the commissioner, the peace arrangements involved at least 15 local government areas and have so far resulted in the release of about 1,000 abducted persons across several communities. He said the government believed the initiative had contributed significantly to improved security and the return of relative calm in previously affected areas.