Deputy controller and officer in charge of Umuahia Custodial Centre, in the Abia State capital, Michael Ojiakor has said the centre has exceeded its capacity of 500 inmates by over 300.
Ojiakor stated this during an advocacy visit by Global Compassion Coalition (GCC), which was facilitated by Compassion Connectors Nigeria (CCN), and the Compassion Champions Initiative (CCI).
”Our major challenge at the moment is congestion. The facility has capacity for a maximum of 500 inmates, but unfortunately there are over 800 now,” he lamented.
The officer appealed to the security agencies and the judiciary, to as a matter of urgency find lasting solutions to the challenge to ease the facility and the personnel of the burden
He lauded the visitors for their kind humanitarian gestures to the inmates which include distribution of writing materials to the students, engaging them in prayers, and football tournaments.
Earlier, the national lead of the CCN, and the CCI, Uwalaka Uchechukwu said the visit was part of activities marking the maiden edition of Festival of Compassion held in Cape town, South Africa.
”Our aim is to foster a sense of community, trust, and self-empowerment among the inmates, helping them start their healing journeys. creating a safe space for healing and encouraging personal growth,” he said.
Uwalaka, who maintained that “ultimately the aim will lead to a more humane and supportive society”. commended the deputy controller for his cooperation and support for them.
One of the highlight of the visit was award of Ambassador of Compassion to assistant superintendent of Correction Isaiah Ugwu for his educational empowerment and sports development of the inmates.
