By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City.
A Group the YELLOW RIBBON ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN ( YRAC), has called on the general public to end the stigmatization of ex-offenders/ ex-inmate in the society as it creates more fear in them, there by cause reoffending behavior among ex inmate.
The group in a peaceful match to the Nigeria Union of Journalist Edo State Chapter, expressed the need for the family, friends, communities to put a stop to Stigmatization.
In address made available to journalists and signed by the Focal Person, comrade Edwin Asibor, said, the group embarked on the peaceful campaign to create awareness on the need to give them a second chance to start life afresh.
‘”The need to advocate for their acceptance inclusive of their families into the community.
Also To inspire Community Action to support their rehabilitation and
reintegration as to meaningfully engaged them in a productive venture in contributing positively to societal development
” We need to help them rebuild their lives and lower their recidivism or reoffending tendencies Hence, Every one of us here today is not immune to the custody,
The three main reasons are attributable to why people go to custody are , As a result of innocent charge or false accusation.
Due to Petty or Minor offences and Due to Serious or heinous crime.
According to them, “The Custody is established in a way to discipline and correct inmate including those who committed minor or no offence at all.
And after release they fall back to the ultimate or second prison of stigmatization and total rejection by family, friends, communi
the society and the government as seen in the area of employment or vying for electoral Positions.
It is imperative to know that stigmatization is one of the major cause of recidivism or reoffending behavior among ex inmate.
They demands for, Provision of well managed Temporary shelter where released inmates are Psychosocially and spiritually restored to normal functioning before joining their families
The Effective Utilization of Non Custodial centres in correcting petty offences instead of being sent to the custody
Building of more facilities to Separate first offenders from second or previous offenders in their respective cells
Abolition of ex-convict stigma in employments and political accreditations . End.