The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service has refuted claims that eight inmates in its facility died as a result of hunger or under-feeding. The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Rabiu Mohammed Shuaibu, issued a statement in Minna to address the matter.

Shuaibu categorically stated that no inmate had lost their life in any of the correctional facilities under the command due to underfeeding. He described the reports of eight inmate deaths circulating in some media outlets as completely false, motivated by ill intentions, and aimed at causing panic in society.

The spokesperson clarified, “The command wants to make it clear that there have been no deaths recorded in any of our facilities due to underfeeding. The writer of these reports failed to verify the claims before disseminating the story to the public, leading to unnecessary panic.”

Shuaibu emphasized that despite the current economic challenges and rising food prices, the feeding ratio of inmates has never been compromised in the correctional facilities. He expressed appreciation for the commitment of the federal and state governments, as well as the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, and the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Fatima Umar Mohammed Bago, in providing improved welfare for inmates.

The statement also highlighted that the correctional facilities have functional water tankers that supply inmates with adequate water on a daily basis. Furthermore, it debunked the claim made in the fabricated story that inmates were forced to fetch water outside the facility.

The statement concluded by urging journalists to verify their claims before rushing to publish stories, and encouraged them to collaborate with the correctional service to ensure peace and security in the country.