Justice Undone? Gaba Community Rages as Governor Pardons Convicted Killers
The people of Gaba community in Lavun Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State have expressed outrage over the recent state pardon granted to 11 individuals convicted of killing seven local farmers.
Speaking at a press conference in Minna on Thursday, Mr. Paul Gana, Chairman of the Gaba Development Association, condemned the decision, warning that it could reignite tensions and unrest between communities.
“This pardon has denied our people justice,” Gana said. “It sends the wrong message and could trigger fresh violence. We urge the state government to reverse this pardon and uphold the judgment of the court.”
The tragic incident dates back to 2018, when a brutal attack on Gaba farmers, allegedly by members of a neighboring community, led to the deaths of seven and left two others injured. After four years of legal proceedings, Justice Maimuna A. Abubakar of the Niger State High Court delivered a landmark 779-page judgment in February 2022, sentencing the 11 individuals to death by hanging for conspiracy and culpable homicide.
However, on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago granted the convicts an unconditional state pardon. At a government house briefing, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed the pardon. He said it followed a review process by the Governor and the State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The Commissioner emphasized that the killings stemmed from a long-standing communal conflict between Gaba and Amfani communities. He said the pardon was a strategic move to promote reconciliation and long-term peace, noting that the instrument of pardon was signed on May 28, 2025, and has already been gazetted.
Despite these claims, the Gaba community remains unconvinced, viewing the decision as a grave injustice to the victims and their families.
The individuals granted pardon include: Mohammed Mohammed, Nana Alhaji Sheshi, Isah Baba Nmadu, Mohammed Mohammed Ndabida, Abubakar Baba Salihu, Baba Mohammed Shaba, Adamu Mohammed Babaminin, Haruna Mohammed, Isah Mohammed Alhaji Inuwa, Ibrahim Mohammed, and Mohammed Isah.
