By Christiana Lot
In a notable event at the Jos Correctional Centre, inmates staged a mass protest on Friday to express their discontent regarding proposed adjustments in their rice and beans consumption, driven by escalating prices of essential commodities.
According to reliable sources, the officer responsible for meal distribution convened the inmates around 11:45 am to apprise them of discussions held with the contracted food supplier regarding the surge in market prices and the consequent proposal to decrease rice consumption from four times weekly to twice weekly.
Tension escalated when the officer announced the decision to limit rice consumption to twice a week, sparking a vehement reaction from the inmates, who resorted to acts of violence, including hurling stones and other objects at staff members.
Confirming the incident, Mr. Ibinule Raphael, Controller of Corrections for the Plateau State Command, attributed the protest to the dissatisfaction of the inmates with the revised meal plan. He elaborated that the contractor’s rationale for reducing rice frequency, prompted by market price fluctuations, was met with strong opposition from the inmates, resulting in disorder within the facility.
Mr. Raphael provided insight into the situation, stating, “Upon my routine visit to the yard this morning, I observed an officer addressing the inmates. Upon inquiry, I was informed that the officer was briefing them on the outcome of discussions with the food contractor slated to supply their meals this month.”
