Congestion of Correction Centres: Oruk Anam Legislator Calls for Government Intervention

Member Representing Oruk Anam State Constituency at the 8th Assembly, Sampson Idiong.

The Lawmaker representing Oruk Anam State Constituency at the 8th Assembly, Sampson Idiong has called for urgent government intervention over the congestion in Correctional Centres across Akwa Ibom State.

Sampson Idiong had decried the state of overcrowding witnessed in the Facilities, which has sped up the deterioration of the Centres and the underlining effects on  inmates as well. 

Idiong made the call during Thursday, June 6, 2024 Plenary at the State House of Assembly, when he presented a motion on the "Urgent Need to Intervene in Facilities of Correctional Centres in Akwa Ibom State".

The Assemblyman highlighted that the severe overcrowding of Correctional Facilities does not only strain government resources but also accelerates the deterioration of these centers. 

The Lawmaker who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the 8th Assembly, informed the House that data reveals Federal offenders constitute less than ten percent of inmates, leaving over 90 percent to State offenders.

"An independent survey indicates that the Uyo Minimum Custodial Centre, originally built to accommodate 600 inmates, now houses over 1,500 of them. Similarly, the Ikot Ekpene Centre, designed for 800 inmates, is currently accommodating twice its capacity", Idiong said.

He also raised concerns over the lack of security lights around the already weak perimeter fence of the overcrowded Uyo Facility. He warned that relying on the Federal Government for action, especially with the onset of the rainy season, could have disastrous consequences.

"If a breach occurs and inmates escape, the repercussions would primarily affect the residents of Akwa Ibom State".

The Deputy Chief Whip reminded the House of a similar breakout on April 24, 2023, when over 100 inmates escaped from Sulejah prison following a heavy downpour that compromised the facility, including its perimeter fence.

He appealed that the House Committee on Security be mandated to embark on an oversight facility tour of the four correctional centres in Akwa Ibom State.

In response, the Speaker, Udeme Otong directed the House Committee on Public Utilities and the Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions to collaborate with the Judiciary Service Commission in conducting an in-depth assessment of the Facilities and report findings to the House within two weeks.