The Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, on Tuesday decried the congestion and mixing of violent and non-violent offenders in custodial centres across the country.
Jatau raised the concern while receiving the newly posted Comptroller of Correctional Service in Gombe, Agada Felix-Audu, on a courtesy visit.
He warned that violent inmates could negatively influence non-violent ones, thereby exposing them to deeper criminal tendencies, aggression, ill health, and even mental disorders.
“The situation where hardened criminals are kept together with minor offenders is a dangerous trend. It only worsens the problem rather than solving it,” Jatau stated.
The deputy governor acknowledged the enormity of challenges facing the security and justice system in the country, stressing the need for justice to be delivered promptly and without bias.
He also urged some solicitors to desist from compounding the justice system by shielding criminals for selfish interests.
Jatau further identified youthful exuberance as a common issue among inmates, stressing the need for counselling and rehabilitation rather than outright incarceration.
“Most of these young people need guidance, not just punishment. We must prioritise reformation over retribution,” he added.
Jatau pledged the state government’s support to the service in this regard and advised the Comptroller to work in synergy with sister security agencies especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and other stakeholders for an effective fight against crime.
In his remarks, the new Comptroller, CC Agada Felix-Audu, said his visit was to formally register his presence in Gombe, having just assumed duty in the state, and assured that the service is determined to strengthen criminal justice administration through timely interventions.
“We are working to create a more responsive and efficient system. A biometric database of offenders has already been established to improve information sharing with other security agencies and to help decongest custodial centres nationwide,” CC Felix-Audu noted.
He emphasised that ensuring security should not always mean incarceration, but also include psychological interventions such as counselling.
“Security goes beyond confinement. Rehabilitation, especially for those with minor offences, is essential to breaking the cycle of crime,” he added.
While commending the Gombe State Government for allocating land for the construction of staff quarters, Felix-Audu requested additional support in the provision of access roads, electricity, and water to improve the welfare of officers.
Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Gombe State Governor, Media and Officer (Deputy Governor’s office).
