A SOCIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF INMATES IN MAKURDI MEDIUM SECURITY PRISON

The living conditions of inmates in Nigeria prisons have attracted attention from both the academia and the general public. This study was carried out to ascertain the true living conditions of inmates in Makurdi medium security prison. The objectives of the study is to access the living condition of inmates in the Prison, x ray the efficiency of prison authority in attending to the living conditions of inmates, examine the factors influencing the living condition of inmates and also to give useful suggestions on how to improve living condition of inmates. A review of relevant literature was undertaken. The rehabilitation theory was adopted as a theoretical model for the study. The study was situated in Makurdi medium security prison in Yakyoo village, along Otukpo road. The study used both primary and secondary data and proportionate sampling technique was adopted in collating data while a total of seventy inmates and thirteen prison staff were sampled which make up a total of 83 sampled respondents. Data collected was analyzed using simple percentage and frequency table. Findings from the study revealed that Makurdi medium security prison requires improvement in the present structure of the prison, though it is quite new, compared to the older structure. Some of the major problems identified are: inmate congestion, poor feeding arrangement and lack of recreational facilities. The study also revealed that the prison has moderate social amenities for inmates. From the above findings, the study recommends that the government should build more cells for inmates. In addition, there is need for increased allocation of funds to the prison authorities to cater for the inmates. Non- governmental organizations and the general public should make concerted efforts to ameliorate the deteriorating condition of inmates. The government should replace old structures should be replaced with modern ones vi