The recent Supreme Court judgment sentencing Mr. Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Don village in Adamawa State, to death has sparked outrage and pleas for clemency. Jackson was convicted for killing a herder who attacked him on his farm. The incident occurred after repeated incursions by herders onto the farmlands of Don village, leading to escalating tensions between the farming community and the nomadic herders. Villagers report a history of harassment, including the destruction of crops, property damage, and even assaults on women. Jackson’s case is viewed by many as an act of self-defense against this backdrop of persistent aggression. The Supreme Court’s decision has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many questioning its fairness and implications for the security of farmers in the face of such threats.
A visit to Don village reveals a community shrouded in grief and apprehension. Residents describe a peaceful coexistence with herders that deteriorated into a pattern of intimidation and violence. Community leader, Hon. Peter Luka Don, recounted how herders began invading their farmlands, destroying their crops, and assaulting their women. He emphasized that Jackson was attacked first, stabbed in the leg by the herder, and only then, in the ensuing struggle, managed to disarm his attacker and inflict the fatal blow. The villagers’ frustration is palpable. They contend that their pleas for justice regarding the herders’ actions have been consistently ignored, leaving them feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
The prevailing sentiment in Don village is that Jackson’s actions were a desperate attempt to defend himself and his livelihood. His family members are devastated by the judgment. His elder sister, Mrs. Blessing Jota, fears for her own life if her brother is executed, while another sister, Mrs. Abeyo Victor, clings to her faith, believing divine intervention will save him. An uncle, simply identified as Moni, issued a stark warning: if the judgment is carried out, peace in the region will be shattered. These heartfelt testimonies underscore the deep-seated fear and anger coursing through the community. The impending execution of Jackson is not just the loss of a single life; it is perceived as a grave injustice that threatens the fragile peace of the region.
Prominent voices have joined the chorus of those calling for Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to intervene. Senator Ishaku Abbo has urged the governor to exercise his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy and grant Jackson a pardon. He argues that the Supreme Court’s judgment raises serious questions about the Nigerian legal system and its capacity to deliver justice in such complex cases. Abbo further emphasizes the potential for the judgment to exacerbate the already tense situation and ignite further conflict between farmers and herders. He stresses the urgency for the government to act decisively to prevent further unrest.
Adding further weight to the pleas for clemency, the Gongola People’s Forum (GPF) has issued a strong condemnation of the death sentence. The GPF maintains that Jackson acted in self-defense after being attacked by an armed herder. They emphasize that Jackson was unarmed when the confrontation began and only resorted to violence after being injured by the herder. The GPF highlights the devastating impact of Jackson’s decade-long incarceration on his family, particularly his young daughter, who was born shortly after his ordeal began. They appeal to Governor Fintiri to grant Jackson a pardon, not only as an act of mercy but also as a crucial step towards preserving peace and stability in the region.
The case of Sunday Jackson has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria. It highlights the vulnerability of farming communities facing encroachment and violence, and it raises questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing these complex issues. The calls for clemency are not merely appeals for mercy; they are a plea for justice and recognition of the difficult circumstances faced by farmers trying to protect their livelihoods and their families. The governor’s decision in this case will have far-reaching implications, not only for Jackson’s fate but also for the fragile peace and stability of the region. It represents a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle to find equitable solutions to the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s diverse communities.
