Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced on Thursday that the Federal Government intends to relocate several correctional facilities to enhance space, security, and infrastructure.
During his visit to the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for the relocation of these facilities to more suitable environments. This decision comes in the wake of a recent incident where 119 inmates escaped due to a rainstorm that caused damage to the prison.
Highlighting the overcrowding issue, the minister pointed out that the Suleja facility, originally designed for 250 inmates, was accommodating 499 individuals. He stressed the importance of moving correctional centres away from urban areas to provide adequate space, security, and infrastructure.
In a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, Tunji-Ojo assured that efforts are underway to revamp the correctional system to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Acknowledging the need for better communication and proactive measures, the minister affirmed his commitment to accountability and ensuring the safety and security of correctional facilities nationwide. He pledged to rectify the situation, recover the escaped inmates, and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
