Governor Hyacinth Alia has pardoned 12 prisoners serving various terms at the Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko prisons.

Disclosing this in a statement on Sunday by his media aide Bridget Ikyado, the governor granted the inmates pardon during a prison visit.

According to the statement, the gesture conformed with the provisions of Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and as part of efforts to decongest the prisons.

The pardon was granted based on the Benue State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommendations headed by attorney general Fidelis Mnyim.

“Give your society the very best. And as for the gentleman whose dismissal has been converted to termination of appointment, don’t take any elements of life for granted. Demonstrate your newness in your society,” Mr Alia advised the freed inmates.

He added, “I will make provision for better welfare for you here, but this shouldn’t be home for you. I am quite shocked to see the faces of many young people here where there are a total of 525 inmates, including 25 females, one with a baby and others who came in with pregnancy.”

Mr Mnyim explained that the eight-man committee thoroughly scrutinised the inmates before making its recommendation.

Speaking on behalf of the released inmates, Barnabas Apaav thanked the governor for his gesture and assured him they would behave well.