The governor said that all the pardoned inmates were recommended by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy headed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Fidelis Mnyim.
Represented by Mnyim, the governor said that the released inmates would be empowered with various skills to be self-reliant.
According to the governor, he was empowered by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to do so.
Alia explained that through the council, inmates who have shown genuine change and remorse by exhibiting good character worthy to cohabit with other members of society may be pardoned.
“This action has no political influence attached to it but is based on the recommendation and testimonies of people cutting across the clergy and good-spirited individuals who interacted with the inmates personally,” he said.
The Benue Comptroller, Nigeria Correctional Services, Mary Oche, appreciated the governor for using his good office to free six inmates from the correctional centre.
Oche charged the freed inmates to shun crime and embrace new life.
Among the six freed inmates is Umar Dansabe, who was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging 14 years ago for armed robbery.
Dansabe, who spoke with newsmen, thanked the governor for granting them pardon and promised to be of good conduct going forward.