… Demand Justice for Victims
By Dare Fasube, Ibadan
The Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have criticised the reintegration of so-called repentant bandits into society and security structures, describing the practice as unjust and a disservice to victims of violent crimes across Nigeria.
The bishops made their position known in a statement issued during a press conference amid growing concern over the continued captivity of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from schools in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State more than a month ago.
In the statement jointly signed by the President of the province, Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, and the Secretary, Anselm Lawani, the clerics said the practice of rehabilitating former bandits while victims and their families continue to suffer sends a dangerous message to society.
