Adamawa group seeks clemency for farmer on death row over herdsman killing

The Pene da Bwatiye Youth Wing of Adamawa State, in collaboration with its national body, has condemned the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Demsa LGA, and is calling on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to grant him clemency.

Jackson was convicted of killing a Fulani herdsman during a confrontation on his farm nearly a decade ago. The incident occurred in 2015 when Jackson allegedly defended himself after being attacked with a knife by the herdsman whose cattle were destroying his crops.

Though he sustained multiple injuries, he managed to wrestle the knife and fatally wound his attacker. Despite his claim of self-defence, he was sentenced to death by hanging—a verdict now affirmed by Nigeria’s highest court.

In a statement, Dr. Pwano Jauro, President of the Youth Wing of the Bwatiye Development Association, described the ruling as a miscarriage of justice. He stressed that Jackson acted in self-defence and urged Governor Fintiri, known as “the people’s governor,” to intervene and prevent the execution.

The group argues that granting clemency would not only save Jackson’s life but also help maintain the fragile peace between farmers and herders in the Bwatiye kingdom.

They cite Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the governor to commute sentences or grant pardons.

As tension rises over the case, all eyes are now on Governor Fintiri to determine Jackson’s fate and set a precedent on justice, peace, and self-defence in Adamawa State.