By:Femi Emmanuel
The decision by the Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umar Radda, to release 72 suspected bandits has continued to generate widespread condemnation, with critics describing the move as counterproductive to Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
Many Nigerians argue that the release does not offer a sustainable solution to banditry but instead emboldens criminal networks and their accomplices. According to concerned citizens, the action risks encouraging the continued killing, kidnapping, and displacement of innocent Nigerians, particularly in regions that have suffered prolonged insecurity, including the North Central and North East.
Banditry has claimed thousands of lives and rendered many communities homeless, forcing residents to live in constant fear of abduction for ransom and violent attacks. Victims are often murdered during transit, while some are reportedly killed and their bodies set ablaze by criminal groups who operate with little regard for human life. Critics insist that no religion or moral code supports such violence, describing the activities of bandits as acts of terror against defenseless communities.
The release of the suspects has been widely condemned as unconstitutional and embarrassing, not only to Katsina State but also to Nigeria as a sovereign nation. Opponents of the decision maintain that granting freedom to individuals accused of heinous crimes undermines the rule of law and sends a dangerous signal that criminality may go unpunished.
They further argue that the suspects should have been prosecuted in accordance with the law, allowing the courts to determine their guilt or innocence. By failing to pursue legal accountability, the government is accused of devaluing the lives of citizens and weakening deterrence against future crimes.
Security analysts also warn that releasing bandits under the guise of promoting peace may lead to regrouping and renewed attacks, as criminals could perceive arrest as inconsequential if eventual release is guaranteed. This, they say, undermines the efforts of security agencies constitutionally mandated to maintain law and order.
Stakeholders have therefore called on all state governments to prioritize security by ensuring that anyone apprehended for criminal activities is prosecuted without fear or favour. They insist that only firm adherence to the rule of law and consistent punishment of offenders can serve as an effective deterrent and restore public confidence in governance.
You can get every of our news as soon as they drop on WhatsApp ...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
