Inmates at the Correctional Centre in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, staged a protest on Friday against the proposed reduction in their food ration.
According to reports, the protest was triggered by information about the planned decrease in the size of their food portions.
The rising cost of living nationwide has led to protests in various regions, with youths, women, and the Nigerian Labour Congress expressing their grievances over economic challenges.
In response to the news of reduced food rations, the inmates reportedly refused to comply with instructions from custodial officials and declined their breakfast.
Custodial officers resorted to using tear gas to disperse the protesting inmates and return them to their cells.
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Despite being confined to the prison yard, the prisoners continued to voice their discontent loudly.
Confirming the incident, the Comptroller of the Jos Correctional Centre, Raphael Ibinuhi, attributed the decision to reduce food rations to the high cost of living in the country.
Ibinuhi explained, “The issue stems from the escalating prices of goods in the market.
The food contractor indicated that they are compelled to reduce the size of food servings due to the exorbitant prices of food items.”
He further stated, “Therefore, the reduction in food size triggered the protest. While I don’t consider the protest necessary, as food challenges and escalating costs are national issues being addressed by the Federal Government, I believe that any steps taken by the government to address them will have an impact nationwide, including correctional centers.”
