Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Thursday pardoned 24 prisoners as part of activities marking the 2026 Independence Day celebration.

Mr Kefas made this known in a statewide broadcast in Jalingo.

“Independence must also remind us that justice should be firm, but it must never be separated from mercy, rehabilitation and the possibility of a new beginning,” he said.

He stated, “Acting pursuant to Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and following consultation with the Taraba State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, I have approved the exercise of the prerogative of mercy in favour of twenty-four inmates.”

He said those pardoned were inmates whose cases had been duly reviewed, adding that the decision to pardon them was guided by the law, the interests of justice, evidence of rehabilitation and humanitarian considerations.

Mr Kefas urged the pardoned inmates to use the opportunity offered them responsibly.

“Return to your families and communities with a determination to live peacefully, obey the law and contribute positively to society.

“This act of mercy does not weaken our commitment to law and order. It affirms our belief that justice must protect society, correct wrongdoing and, where appropriate, provide deserving individuals with a genuine opportunity for reform and reintegration,” he said.

Mr Kefas also announced a N2.5 billion people-first intervention package as part of his social interventions.

He said that the package comprises N500 million for TARABA CARES – a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme from October 2026 to March 2027.

According to him, N1 billion additional funding for the Taraba State Youth Development Agency and N1 billion for relief and recovery in Karim Lamido and other crisis-affected communities.

Mr Kefas said Taraba CARES, which he first announced during the state’s 35th anniversary in August, would target widows with dependants, older persons without reliable income, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable households.

He directed implementing agencies to publish eligibility criteria and ensure selection is based on verified need, not political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.

The governor said that he acknowledged the hardship and loss of lives in the state and directed the ministry of works and the Secretary to the State Government to engage the North East Development Commission and submit a verified status report within seven days.

He also announced a stakeholder meeting on October 3 with artisanal miners to set safety standards and introduced the “OUR TARABA, OUR RESPONSIBILITY” civic initiative.

He said that the ongoing pension payments would continue.

He stated, “You served Taraba, and your years of service deserve respect and dignity. Your welfare remains a priority, and we will continue working to meet our obligations to you.”

(NAN)