Report: Demand for Clemency for Farmer Sentenced to Death for Killing Herder
Yola, Adamawa State- March 14, 2025
The case of Mr. Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, has sparked widespread appeals for clemency following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold his death sentence. Jackson was convicted for killing Ardo Bawuro, a Fulani herdsman, during an altercation on his farmland in 2012. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), alongside other groups, has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant Jackson clemency, citing the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment and the circumstances surrounding the case.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their first plenary meeting in Abuja, the CBCN appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant clemency to Jackson. The communiqué, signed by CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Secretary Bishop Donatus Ogun, reiterated the Catholic Church’s stance against capital punishment.
The bishops stated, “We reaffirm the stand of the Catholic Church that capital punishment is unacceptable. We therefore make a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially in light of the Jubilee Year of Hope, to grant pardon to Mr. Sunday Jackson.”
The CBCN also emphasized the importance of mercy and reconciliation, particularly in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society like Nigeria. They urged the government to consider the broader context of the case, including the ongoing tensions between farmers and herders.
Other Groups Joining the Call for Clemency
The Gongola Forum and the Pene da Bwate Youth Forum have also joined the call for clemency. These groups have highlighted the need for justice to be tempered with mercy, especially in cases where individuals claim to have acted in self-defence. They argue that granting clemency to Jackson could serve as a step toward healing and reconciliation in communities affected by farmer-herder conflicts.
CBCN’s Broader Concerns
In their communiqué, the bishops also addressed other pressing national issues, including the recent closure of schools in some parts of the country during the Ramadan fast. They criticized the decision by authorities in Kebbi, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kano to shut down schools, stating that it infringes on the rights of children to education and disregards the multi-religious nature of Nigerian society.
The CBCN reiterated its commitment to education, healthcare, and agriculture as vital components of national development. They called on the government to create an enabling environment for these sectors to thrive and urged political, religious, and traditional leaders to foster national integration and hope.
In conclusion therefore, the case of Mr. Sunday Jackson has become a focal point for discussions on justice, mercy, and the need for reconciliation in Nigeria. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, alongside other groups, has made a strong appeal for clemency, emphasizing the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment and the importance of addressing the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts. As the nation grapples with these complex issues, the call for clemency serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and dialogue in the pursuit of justice.
Recommendations
1. President Bola Tinubu should consider the appeal for clemency in light of the circumstances surrounding the case and the Catholic Church’s stance on capital punishment.
2. The government should address the underlying causes of farmer-herder conflicts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
3. Authorities should ensure that policies, such as school closures, respect the rights of all citizens and reflect the multi-religious nature of Nigerian society.
4. Stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, should work together to promote national integration.
Aaron Isaac, Hicia News
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