Protest breaks out in Jos prison as inmates revolt

The Correctional Center in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, experienced a protest on Friday amidst the nationwide hardship, with inmates expressing dissatisfaction over plans to reduce their food ration.

Upon receiving information about the impending decrease in food portions, the inmates initiated a protest. During the demonstration, they defied orders from custodial officials and abstained from breakfast. Gathering at the center of the prison yard, they vocalized their grievances, prompting custodial officials to employ tear gas to compel them back to their rooms.

Raphael Ibinuhi, the Comptroller of the Jos Correctional Center, confirmed the inmates’ protest to Daily Trust. He attributed the issue to the escalating cost of goods in the market, stating that the food contractor indicated the necessity to reduce portion sizes due to the soaring prices of food items.

Ibinuhi remarked, “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.” He expressed the view that the protest might be unnecessary, as the challenges related to food and cost are national issues being addressed by the federal government. He believed that steps taken by the government would have a nationwide impact, including in correctional centers.

The protest at the Correctional Center is part of a broader trend of demonstrations across the country prompted by the rising cost of living. On Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) organized a nationwide protest, drawing criticism from President Bola Tinubu, who deemed it unacceptable. Tinubu conveyed this sentiment while inaugurating the Lagos Red Line Train, emphasizing the need for understanding and collaboration, especially within the first nine months of an administration.