By Correspondent in Lafia.
(C) Facebook.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has visited the Keffi Correctional Centre following Tuesday’s jailbreak in which 16 inmates escaped, pledging immediate measures to improve living conditions and reduce congestion at the facility.
The governor, accompanied by senior state officials, was conducted round the facility on Wednesday by officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service.
Visibly disturbed by the conditions, Governor Sule ordered the purchase of mattresses for awaiting-trial inmates found sleeping on bare floors and announced a donation of ₦1 million for their upkeep.
He expressed concern that most inmates in Keffi were awaiting trial in courts within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rather than in Nasarawa State.
“I came here not only to find out about the jailbreak but to understand why it happened.
“From my findings, majority of the inmates are awaiting trial in FCT courts. Through our Chief Judge, we will liaise with the FCT Chief Judge and also the Attorney-General of the Federation to address this,” the governor said.
Governor Sule identified two major issues requiring urgent attention,prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial and inadequate sleeping arrangements.
While acknowledging that feeding arrangements appeared adequate, he emphasised the need for better living conditions to reduce tensions that could lead to unrest.
On security, he recalled the assurance of the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, that efforts were ongoing to re-arrest the escapees and urged residents to cooperate with authorities.
He stressed that correctional facilities should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, noting that addressing inmates’ grievances could help prevent future jailbreaks.
Our correspondent gathered that so far, seven of the 16 escapees have been re-arrested, while nine remain at large.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
