Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, announced on Thursday the Federal Government’s plans to move several correctional centers to improve space, security, and infrastructure.
During his visit to the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, Tunji-Ojo made the pledge.
Following a recent rainstorm that damaged the facility, 119 inmates escaped from the prison.
Expressing the need for relocation, the minister emphasized the importance of providing a more favorable environment for the correctional centers.
“Originally built in 1914 to accommodate 250 inmates, we now had 499 before the incident,” he remarked, highlighting the issue of overcrowding in correctional facilities.
In a statement released by Mr Ozoya Imohimi, the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo stated, “The current condition demonstrates the necessity to relocate these centers from urban areas to enhance space, security, and infrastructure.”
Assuring the public, Tunji-Ojo mentioned that the ministry is actively working on improving the correctional system to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“Had the relevant information been disseminated in a timely manner regarding the structure, this unfortunate event could have been avoided,” he admitted.
Reaffirming the commitment to accountability, he added, “Our focus is not on excuses but on taking responsibility and ensuring the safety of our citizens by rectifying the situation.”
He concluded by promising, “We will recover the escapees and implement measures to prevent such occurrences nationwide.”