Inmate Raises Concern Over Medical Care As Prison Ministry Supports New Mother
Cornel Bassey
A 20-year-old female inmate at the Uyo Custodial Centre has raised concerns over the condition of pregnant inmates after she reportedly delivered a baby boy in custody without the assistance of professional birth attendants.
The inmate, identified as Mary Asuquo, recounted her difficult experience during labour while expressing gratitude to God for the safe delivery. She spoke during a monthly humanitarian visit to the custodial centre by the prison ministry of Everlasting Christ Gospel Mission International, Mbiabong Ikot Udo Uso, Etoi, Uyo.
Asuquo was among about 100 female inmates said to be held at the facility. According to her account, she had to endure labour with limited medical assistance before eventually delivering safely. Deborah Abraham, another inmate who reportedly assisted during the delivery, also attributed the outcome to divine intervention.
The visiting ministry, which has sustained a monthly programme of charity and gospel outreach to inmates, provided cash assistance and baby items to the new mother and her child as part of its humanitarian support.
Speaking through the mission’s lead minister, Apostle Leonard Kporgbe, the Patriarch and Founder of the mission and West African Prelate of Wesley Synod International Mission Canterbury for Africa, Archbishop Dr Sir Friday Ibanga, said the prison ministry was established to restore hope and dignity to inmates.
Kporgbe urged the inmates not to allow their present circumstances to define their future, stressing that imprisonment should not be regarded as the end of their lives or aspirations. He cited the biblical account of the prodigal son, who returned to his father after recognising his mistakes, and encouraged the inmates to seek restoration through a renewed relationship with God.
He further urged them to remain intentional about rebuilding their lives, stressing that their circumstances could change for the better. Quoting Romans 8:28, he said, “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to the purpose of God,” while encouraging the inmates to trust God for restoration.
The Prison Ministry Coordinator, Amb. Queen Ekaette Inyang, led intercessory prayers for the inmates and urged them to remain steadfast and hopeful despite their circumstances. She assured them that the ministry would continue its regular humanitarian visits, providing assistance while also offering spiritual support.
Inyang also prayed for forgiveness, restoration and an end to what she described as the sources of pain and shame in the lives of the inmates, urging them to remain hopeful about their eventual return to society.
The Chaplain/DSC of the Uyo Custodial Centre, N. S. Bassey, commended the ministry for its sustained humanitarian intervention and spiritual support for inmates. He described the monthly distribution of palliatives and preaching of the gospel as a meaningful expression of concern for people in custody.
Bassey disclosed that about 1,800 inmates were currently held at the Uyo Custodial Centre, comprising approximately 1,700 men and 100 women, and appealed for greater support from government agencies, organisations and individuals to meet the needs of inmates.
