Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the release of 130 inmates through an absolute pardon and reduced the death sentences of four other prisoners to life imprisonment as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor made the announcement on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in a message to Plateau residents and Nigerians living in the country and abroad to commemorate the nation’s independence.
According to a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, Mutfwang said the anniversary provided an opportunity to look back on Nigeria’s journey since independence, recognise the sacrifices made by previous leaders and assess the challenges and progress recorded by the country.
He called on citizens to uphold the principles upon which Nigeria was founded, particularly the preservation of its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Mutfwang said, “The responsibility of nation-building has passed from one generation to another and that every citizen has a role to play in building a peaceful, stable and prosperous country.”
The governor maintained that the country could overcome its differences through collective effort, stressing that “Nigeria’s strength lies in the collective determination of its citizens to rise above differences and build a nation in which every citizen has a sense of belonging and an opportunity to fulfil his or her aspirations.”
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as efforts toward maintaining national unity and stability, particularly his focus on “continued emphasis on national cohesion, peace, economic development and the collective responsibility of Nigerians to build a stronger nation.”
Speaking on Plateau State, Mutfwang restated his administration’s determination “to building a Plateau State where citizens can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.”
He appreciated Plateau residents for “their resilience, patience, patriotism and invaluable contributions to the development of the state and the nation,” while encouraging them to “keep faith in the Nigerian project despite the challenges confronting the nation.”
The statement further explained that the governor exercised his constitutional authority after consulting the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
It said Mutfwang had approved absolute pardon for 130 inmates, while the capital punishment imposed on four others was converted to life imprisonment.
The four prisoners whose sentences were reduced are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi.
Among those who received absolute pardon are Kamshine Gomerep, Maju Sajen, Jan Thomas, Gody Victor, Imran Maikasuwa, Biplang Emmanuel, Peace Sunday, Salisu Usman, Geoffrey John and Shwarpo Luka.
Mutfwang, on behalf of the Plateau State Government and its people, wished Nigerians in the country and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary.
He also urged citizens to “continue to believe in Nigeria and contribute their quota towards building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of its heroes past and the aspirations of generations yet unborn.”
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