By Abiola Olawale
There is palpable tension in Jos, the capital of Plateau state as inmates of the Jos Correctional Center staged a protest over the rationing of their foods.
The New Diplomat gathered that the protest began immediately when the inmates were informed of the downward review of sizes of food in the correctional center.
The officer in charge of feeding gathered the inmates at about 11:45 am to inform them of his discussion with the contractor supplying them food over the increase in the price of food items in the market and the plan to reduce their consumption of rice from four times a week to twice per week.
This, according to an internal source, did not go down well with the inmates, who resorted to violence by throwing stones and other objects at the staff of the center.
Shortly after, the inmates trooped to the center of the prison yard while shouting on top of their voices.
They were, however, dispersed by the custodial officials, who used tear gas to force them back to their rooms.
The Comptroller of the Jos Correctional Center, Raphael Ibinuhi, has also confirmed the development. According to him, the inmates are only protesting against the food ration, adding that peace has been restored in the correctional center.
In his words, “The problem has to do with the high cost of goods in the market. The contractor in charge of the foods said they are being forced by the price of food items to reduce the size of the plate of foods.
“So, it is the food size that provoked the protest. I don’t think the protest is necessary because the food challenge and the cost of items is a national issue that the federal government is already addressing.
“And I want to believe that since it is a national issue, whatever step taken by the federal government to address it will be felt everywhere in the country including the Correctional centers.”
