Correctional Center Decongested in Bayelsa as shortage of items hit inmates

Elizabeth Vincent,Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Correctional Center Okaka, which is designed to accommodate 300 inmates, is currently facing severe overcrowding, with over 700 inmates, including awaiting trial and convicted individuals.

The Deputy Controller Of Correction, Medium Security Custodial Centre, DCC Theophilus N. Okoka, disclosed this when a Non governmental organization, Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, ENWAF paid him a courtesy visit, at Okaka, and decried the overcrowding and shortage of items.

Daliy Champion reports that, the Okaka Correctional Center in Bayelsa State was officially commissioned and opened in April 2013 with a capacity to house not more than 300 inmates.

Okoka expressed concern about the overcrowding and shortage of essential items such as clothing, food, medicines, and toiletries.

He said, “the facility has been stretched beyond its capacity, leading to significant challenges. Various organisations, including Non-Governmental Organisations, have made efforts to address some of these challenges by donating food items, toiletries, and other essentials to the correctional center.

“We have called for support from the federal government, state government, and the people of Nigeria to alleviate the situation.

“The overcrowding and shortages at the Okaka Correctional Center highlights the urgent need for intervention to improve the living conditions and well-being of the inmates”

Earlier, the CEO of ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi who appreciated his tireless duties promised to work with the facility Boss to alleviated some of their challenges.