By Peter Duru, Makurdi

As part of the new year celebrations, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has approved the release of five inmates, from the Gboko Prison, who were serving various jail terms.

Gov Samuel Ortom

Those released were John Anyam, Dickson Ako, Terngu Agum, Aondonengen Msughve and Iorfa Mbakighir.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation Odeh Ageh, on behalf of the Governor, the approval of the release of the inmates followed the recommendation of the Benue State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The governor assured the people that the state would overcome its current challenges and move to the next level of development in 2016.

He expressed gratitude to God and the people for giving him the mandate to govern the state assuring that he would not negate his responsibilities to the people.