The father of a Fulani herdsman killed in a self-defense incident has written to Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri, pleading for clemency for the man sentenced to death for the killing. The case involves Sunday Jackson, a farmer who was convicted of killing Buba Bawuro in 2015 after a confrontation on his farmland in Numan, Adamawa State.
Jackson, who was 20 years old at the time, said he was tending to his farm when Buba Bawuro allowed his cattle to graze on his crops. When Jackson confronted Buba about the destruction, a physical altercation broke out. According to Jackson’s account, Buba attacked him first, injuring him, but Jackson managed to overpower him, resulting in Buba’s death.
Despite his claim of self-defense, a Yola High Court found Jackson guilty of murder in 2021 and sentenced him to death by hanging. The Supreme Court upheld the ruling on March 7, 2025, leading to widespread criticism from human rights groups who argue that the verdict was unjust. These activists have since appealed to Governor Fintiri for a pardon.
Jackson himself has also written to the governor, pleading for clemency on the grounds that he did not intend to kill Buba but acted in self-defense. His plea received unexpected support from the victim’s father, Ardo Bawuro, who has formally requested Jackson’s release.
In his letter to the governor, Ardo Bawuro acknowledged the public outcry surrounding the case and stated that his son could never return to life, making further punishment unnecessary. His letter read in part:
The letter reads:
His Excellency, Alh. Umaru Fintiri
The Executive Governor, Adamawa State
Your Excellency,
DEATH SENTENCE ON SUNDAY JACKSON BY THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA FOR MURDER OF MY SON BUBA BAWURO
On behalf of myself and my entire family members, I wish to acknowledge the good governance and the peace being enjoyed generally in the state because of the way the affairs of the state are being conducted by your Excellency.
The security situation has improved tremendously. We have been sleeping with all our eyes closed. My family appreciate this and we continue to pray for your excellency to live long.
The main reason for writing this letter is to appreciate the concern of the general public and the reactions of Nigerians and the whole world on the death sentence judgement in respect of my late son Buba Bawuro passed on Sunday Jackson.
In this regard, your excellency should count us out of the judgement passed on the victim (Sunday Jackson). My son can never wake up again.
Based on this fact, I am pleading for clemency on Sunday Jackson to be pardoned and set free.
I wish his excellency will consider my plea and my appeal granted.
Signed
Ardo Bawuro
Father of the deceased.
