Inmates at the Jos Correctional Center in Plateau State staged a protest on Friday over the economic challenges facing the nation.
The protest reportedly began when the inmates were informed about a reduction in the size of their food portions at the correctional center.
During the protest, the inmates refused to obey instructions from the custodial officials and also skipped breakfast. They gathered in the center of the prison yard, shouting and expressing their discontent.
Custodial officials had to use tear gas to disperse the protesting inmates and return them to their rooms.
The Comptroller of the Jos Correctional Center, Raphael Ibinuhi, confirmed the incident, attributing the protest to the high cost of living.
The protest highlights the impact of economic hardship on various segments of society, including those in custodial facilities. It also underscores the need for measures to address the economic challenges facing the nation.
Ibunuhi said, “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.”