COVID-19: Edo releases 173 inmates

The Edo state government has granted freedom to 173 inmates across custodial centres in the state.

Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, gave the pardon in line with the federal government’s directive to decongest the centres across the country in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The federal government had directed release 2,600 inmates across the country should be released  to curb the spread of the disease.

Speaking at an event in Benin, the state capital, on Friday, Joseph Usendiah, controller of Nigeria Correctional Service, Edo command, commended the action of the state government.

He said the government would provide relief materials to the released inmates to cushion the effects of the ongoing lockdown.

Usendiah said the inmates were selected from Oko centre, old Benin centre, Ubiaja centre and Auchi correctional service centre.

He urged the freed prisoners to be law abiding and utilise the skills learnt while in prison.

“The best way to appreciate the special favour of the government is to ensure that none of you is found wanting again,” he said.

“Be law abiding and put into use all the training and skills acquired while in custody. The inmates who are still in custody must always bear in mind that pardon comes from God. So, patience, commitment to learning and reformation should be your watch words. Be hopeful in God.”

David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, had granted freedom to 33 prisoners serving various jail terms in the state.

As of 11:30 pm on April 24, Nigeria had recorded 1,095 confirmed cases of #COVID-19, out of which 208 patients have been discharged while 32 persons have died.