Gombe State governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has granted clemency to 23 convicts as part of the state's 28th anniversary and Nigeria's 64th Independence Day celebrations.

This was disclosed in Governor Yahaya's goodwill message to the people of the state and the nation on Tuesday.

According to the governor, the clemency extends beyond the release of convicts, with commutations and reductions in sentences for several individuals.

He added that the clemency includes commuting life sentences for two individuals to 15 years, reducing two death sentences to life imprisonment, and adjusting one detainee's sentence to 10 years.

"I urge the pardoned individuals to seize this opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society," Governor Yahaya stated, emphasising the importance of being responsible members of the society.

The governor reflected on the progress made in the state since its creation in 1996 and acknowledged the economic difficulties facing citizens.

He reaffirmed the state's commitment to easing the burden through palliative measures, such as food distribution programmes and transport allowances for state workers.