The Human Rights Watchdog in Africa (HRWA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State following reports that hundreds of inmates convicted of banditry-related offences were recently released from Gusau Correctional Centre.
HRWA alleges that Governor Dauda Lawal authorized the release of 69 convicted bandits in September through a “secret state pardon” processed via the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board under a program called “Religious Amnesty.”
According to HRWA Executive Director, Samson Adamu, the development has heightened fears among residents who are already facing persistent attacks, abductions, and communal violence.
Some of the released inmates reportedly included eight suspects remanded in January 2022 for serious crimes such as criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, dealing in human parts, and other violent acts. The releases reportedly involved inmates convicted under previous administrations of Governors Abdul’aziz Yari and Bello Matawalle.
Adamu criticized Governor Lawal for downplaying the severity of insecurity in Zamfara and called for federal intervention. He stated:
“These developments have left many communities in fear and confusion. If the state government cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens, then the President must exercise emergency powers to restore order.”
The HRWA also recommended that President Tinubu suspend the governor, overhaul the state’s security architecture, and order an independent investigation into the alleged pardons. The organization warned that decisive action is necessary to prevent further escalation of insecurity in Zamfara.
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