Niger Governor Releases 13 Prisoners

The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, has released 13 prisoners in the state.

Governor Bello made the announcement on Saturday at the 2nd General Abdulsalami Abubakar Foundation Annual Peace Lecture.

He said their release is part of a negotiation deal with a group of bandits that have agreed to broker peace with the state government.

The governor advocated the engagement of traditional rulers, especially village and district heads in peacebuilding and conflict resolution process as they are closest to the grassroots.

He identified population explosion and lack of clear cut grazing routes as catalysts for most of the security challenges in the country, as reflected in the clashes between farmers and herders

He urged the ex-convicts to desist from acts capable of disrupting the peace and progress of the country.