The Nigeria Correctional Service in Niger State has vehemently denied reports suggesting that eight inmates have died from hunger or under-feeding in their facilities. In a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Rabiu Mohammed Shuaibu, the alleged deaths were described as false, baseless, and intended to stir up unwarranted fear in the community.
Shuaibu clarified that no inmate lost their life due to underfeeding in any of the correctional facilities under their jurisdiction. He criticized the media for spreading unverified information, leading to a sense of panic among the public without merit.
Despite financial challenges and rising food prices, the command assured that the inmates’ meal provisions have not been compromised. The Nigeria Correctional Service acknowledged the support of both federal and state governments, the Chief Judge of Niger State – Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, and the state governor’s wife – Hajiya Fatima Umar Mohammed Bago, in enhancing the welfare of inmates.
The statement highlighted the presence of functional water tankers that supply inmates with sufficient water daily within the facilities. It emphasized that all inmates are treated with dignity and accorded the necessary standards in line with global norms. Dismissing claims of inmates having to fetch water from external sources, the Service urged journalists to verify facts before publishing reports and encouraged collaboration to safeguard peace and security in the nation.
