Anxiety as Owerri prison houses 2,253 inmates against 548 carrying capacity – Punch Newspapers

Chidiebube Okeoma,Owerri

There is anxiety at the Owerri Federal prison facility in Imo State over the number of inmates in custody.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the facility which was built to provide shelter for 548 prisoners is now housing an outrageous number of 2,253.

A visit to the facility by our correspondent revealed that the huge number was a cause of worry for the prison workers and high command.

Our correspondent gathered that in order to avert jail break or any security collapse, the authorities of the facility had sought assistance from the Nigerian Army and police respectively.

The development had led to the posting of policemen and soldiers to man the prison entrance gate with an Armoured Personnel Carrier.

Movements and visitors are now restricted in the facility over the congestion.

A prison staff member who does not want his name in print told…