The Ebonyi State Security Council has expressed concern over the congestion of Correctional Service Centres in the state.

It therefore directed the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cletus Ofoke, to liaise with the state Comptroller of Corrections to get a comprehensive list of awaiting trial inmates with a view to decongesting the centres.

Ofoke said this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of council’s meeting, presided over by Gov. Dave Umahi at the new Government House, called the Centenary City, Abakaliki.

He said: “The security council has noted with dismay the congested nature of the correctional facilities in Ebonyi.

“Council directed that the Attorney General and Commissioner of Police should liaise with the Comptroller of Corrections to get the full list of inmates awaiting trial.

“This is with a view to decongesting the centres in the state by way of either releasing them based on opinions from the Ministry of Justice or granting them bail by the court.”

The council also directed the state police boss, Mr Aliyu Garba, and Ofoke to ensure that they prosecute those arrested in connection with the hostilities that rocked Akaeze community in Ivo Local Government Area.

The violence erupted in Akaeze, following the alleged torture to death of a crime suspect, Nnaogo Anyim.

The unfortunate incident led to the death of some natives and destruction of property worth millions of naira, including that of the council Chairman, Onyebuchi Ogbadu.

“Council directed that there should be regular briefing on the outcome of the prosecution of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“Council commended Ebubeagu Security Outfit for complementing the efforts of the security agencies in securing the environment and protecting lives and property.

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“Council, however, warned that the personnel of the outfit should always do their job in line with the rules of engagement,” the attorney general said.

He further said that the council directed the police boss and other security agencies to continue to monitor the operatives of the outfit that might want to operate outside the rules of engagement.