Bauchi Government Donates Relief Materials to Correctional Inmates to Ease Hardship

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

Bauchi State Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Service Custodial Centre in Bauchi.

The items, which include 400 mattresses, 400 blankets, 500 mats, and assorted medicines and drugs, are aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of inmates in the facility.

Speaking during the presentation of the items, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Isah Babayo Tilde, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Barrister Saratu Jibrin, said the gesture was approved by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed following reports of hardship faced by inmates.

Dr. Tilde explained that the initiative came after correctional officers raised concerns about the poor conditions in the center. The ministry formally presented the complaints to the Governor, who promptly approved the intervention to address the situation.

He emphasized that although correctional centers are under federal jurisdiction, the state government deemed it necessary to assist, as most of the inmates are indigenes of Bauchi State.

Dr. Tilde said the materials donated are of high quality and meant to serve the inmates for a long time. We trust the management of the Correctional Centre to ensure fair and transparent distribution.

He commended Governor Bala Mohammed’s foresight and consistent support to federal agencies operating in the state, noting that such interventions promote peace, stability, and development in Bauchi.

In his vote of thanks, the Controller of Corrections, CC Monday Ande, represented by DCC Abdulrasheed Sule, expressed deep appreciation to the Bauchi State Government, describing the donation as the most significant and qualitative support ever received by the center.

He disclosed that 99 percent of inmates at the Bauchi Custodial Centre are serving sentences for offenses committed within the state, which makes it necessary to seek assistance from the state government due to overcrowding and limited federal resources.

CC Ande lauded the prompt response of the state government whenever the center requests assistance and praised Bauchi for setting an example among states in supporting inmates’ welfare.

He assured that the management would ensure fair distribution of the materials and appealed to the state government to also consider installing solar-powered lights within the custodial premises and inmates’ rooms to improve living conditions.