Catholic Bishops condemn reintegration of repentant bandits

Demand Justice for Victims

By Dare Fasube, Ibadan

The Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have criticized the reintegration of so‑called repentant bandits into society and security structures, calling the practice unjust and a disservice to victims of violent crime across Nigeria.

The bishops voiced their concerns in a statement released at a press conference amid growing alarm over the continued captivity of 39 pupils and seven teachers who were abducted from schools in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State more than a month ago.

In the statement, jointly signed by the province’s President, Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, and Secretary, Anselm Lawani, the clerics said that rehabilitating former bandits while victims and their families remain in suffering sends a dangerous message to society.

They argued that such policies erode confidence in the justice system and risk encouraging further criminality.

“The ongoing reintegration of so‑called repentant bandits into security agencies and society, while victims of crime and their families are neglected, rubs dirt on the face of justice,” the statement read.

The bishops maintained that justice requires that kidnappers, bandits and other violent offenders face the full consequences of their actions rather than being rewarded through rehabilitation programmes.

They warned that a lack of accountability could embolden further attacks on innocent citizens and weaken national security.

The clerics linked their concerns to the deteriorating security situation in the country, citing the prolonged captivity of the Oriire pupils and teachers as evidence that victims often suffer while perpetrators appear to benefit from leniency.

While calling for the immediate release of the abductees, they urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen efforts to restore public safety and confidence.

They also advocated comprehensive security reforms, including improved intelligence gathering, better policing of forests, deployment of modern technology, and the creation of state police.

According to them, state policing would enable quicker responses to local threats, improve community‑level intelligence, and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and residents, provided there are proper safeguards and oversight.

The bishops stressed that national healing and unity cannot be achieved without justice, accountability and adequate support for victims of crime.

They concluded by urging governments at all levels to prioritize the welfare of victims and ensure that those responsible for kidnapping, banditry and terrorism are prosecuted in accordance with the law, while also calling on Nigerians to pray for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.