By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Clan Head of Efut Akani Esuk in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Muri Eyo Effiong Okon V, has called on the Federal Government to relocate the Afokang Custodial Centre, alleging that the facility has become a source of insecurity for surrounding communities.
The traditional ruler accused the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) of failing to address the activities of ex-convicts and other persons of questionable character allegedly residing in shops and residential buildings located on undeveloped lands belonging to the service.
Speaking on behalf of his community, Okon claimed that the correctional facility, which was once considered an asset, is now contributing to the growing crime rate in the area.
According to him, officials of the correctional centre have little engagement with the host community and have focused primarily on securing their facility while leaving neighbouring residents vulnerable.
“They fenced their facility and secured themselves, but left the community exposed to ex-convicts and other suspicious persons occupying properties built on their lands. Some of these individuals continue to perpetrate crimes within the community,” the monarch alleged.
He further claimed that portions of undeveloped NCS land had been allocated to persons whose identities were unknown to community leaders, arguing that such lands could have been better utilised for schools, hospitals and other public facilities.
The traditional ruler also insisted that the custodial centre should be relocated to a less populated area, noting that Afokang was largely forested when the facility was originally established but has since developed into a densely populated neighbourhood.
Responding to the allegations, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Cross River State, Effanga Etim, said the State Controller, Aniekan Nyah, had constituted a five-member committee to investigate the claims.
Etim denied allegations that the service harbours ex-convicts or blocked access roads within the community, maintaining that only access into the custodial facility’s premises was restricted to prevent unauthorised persons from approaching prison walls. He urged the public to await the outcome of the committee’s findings.
