From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Federal Government has ordered for urgent investigation of a report alleging that inmates at Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar are being subjected to inhuman treatment, including being served poorly cooked beans as breakfast.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, took a grave exception to the video report saying that the government views the incident as a serious breach of the standards of care and dignity to which inmates are entitled.
To this effect, he directed a comprehensive and urgent investigation into the matter warning that those responsible will be held accountable.
The Minister warned that any lapses in the quality of food, sanitation, and welfare of inmates will not be tolerated, adding that the service must ensure inmates are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
“Tunji-Ojo will not condone any form of mistreatment or neglect of individuals in custody.
The findings of the investigation will be made public, and necessary disciplinary actions will be taken” he noted.
Recall that it was reported that the Afokang Correctional Centre was hit by diseases as a result of poor sanitation, poor feeding and high rates of blood-borne infections, including HBV, due to the concentration of impoverished and vulnerable groups of people. Many people who are incarcerated also have risk factors for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection mainly due to the environment of closed penal institutions and socioeconomic conditions.
“This study shows that the hepatitis B infections are more prevalent among the correctional centre inmates. The overall 10.0% HBsAg prevalence obtained in this study was slightly higher than the 9.50% obtained by Ajuwon et al” the report said. ENDS