Inmates at the Correctional Center in Jos, Plateau State capital, staged a protest on Friday over plans to reduce their food ration. This protest was triggered by the inmates' immediate reaction to the news of a downward review of food size, according to Prime 9ja Online.
During the protest, the inmates refused to comply with orders from the custodial officials and also declined breakfast. They gathered in the center of the prison yard, shouting loudly. However, the custodial officials used tear gas to force them back to their rooms.
Raphael Ibinuhi, the Comptroller of the Jos Correctional Center, confirmed the inmates' protest to Prime 9ja Online. He explained, “The problem has to do with the high cost of goods in the market. The contractor in charge of the foods said they are being forced by the price of food items to reduce the size of the plate of foods."
Ibinuhi further stated that the food size issue that provoked the protest is a national issue that the federal government is already addressing. He expressed his belief that any steps taken by the federal government to address this issue will be felt everywhere in the country, including the Correctional Centers.
The rising cost of living in the country has triggered protests in different parts of the country. On Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) mobilised a nationwide protest, which President Bola Tinubu described as unacceptable. While commissioning the Lagos Red Line Train connecting Agbado to Oyingbo, the president stated, “Allow me to throw a jab here. The Labour Union should understand that no matter how much we cling to our freedom and rights, to call for strike within 9 months of an administration is unacceptable.”