Ten Inmates Freed Through Wukari Catholic Diocese’s Intervention.
By Christiana Babayo
The Catholic Diocese of Wukari, established in April 2023, has facilitated the release of ten inmates from the Wukari Medium Correctional Services on the eve of Christmas.
Receiving the inmates, the Bishop of the Wukari Diocese, Most Rev Bishop Mark Nzukwein said, this remarkable feat is part of the Diocese’s prison apostolate, which focuses on the spiritual activities of inmates in facilities nationwide.
Bishop Nzukwein expressed joy over the achievement and commended the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC) and the Diocesan Attorney for their relentless efforts in securing the inmates’ freedom.
“We thank God that we are able to achieve this today, although it is part of our prison apostolate,” the Bishop said. “These inmates come from three states: Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba, and represent both Christianity and Islam. This year, we felt we should do something different, and that’s why we facilitated their freedom.”
The Bishop urged the released inmates to lead exemplary lives, leaving their past behind while retaining the lessons learned during their incarceration.
Rev. Father Stephen Bakari, Coordinator of the JDPC/Caritas, noted that most of the released inmates were imprisoned for minor offenses, mainly debts and that the Diocese cleared these debts, facilitating their freedom after a rigorous process.
“The JDPC is a church unit and NGO engaged in humanitarian activities across various sectors, including supporting displaced persons and vulnerable groups.
“This journey has been interesting for us, and this feat marks a significant milestone for our young Diocese. We aim to fulfill the scriptures, which task us to preach good news to the poor and set the captives free.” Father Bakari explained.
Barr. Namo Samson, Diocesan Attorney and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, described the new criminal justice law as speedy. He attributed the quick release of the inmates to the law’s guidelines and the administration of the new criminal justice law.
The released persons who spoke to our reporter all expressed immense gratitude to the Bishop and the entire Diocese for giving them a Christmas miracle.
They assured the Diocese that they will not take the gesture for granted and will ensure that they become good ambassadors of the goodwill done for them.
The Diocese called on government agencies, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals to emulate this gesture, providing inmates with second chances at life.
