Osamagbe Imadiyi
5 of the 12 prisoners who broke out of lawful custody during Monday’s jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi state, have been apprehended, according to the Federal Government. In a statement, DCC Abubakar Umar, spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS, stated that the incident happened early on Monday, March 24, 2024. He claimed that 12 prisoners were able to escape during the regrettable incident because some of the inmates in a particular area of the facility tampered with the padlocks.
“The Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche MFR, mni, collaborated with the heads of sister security agencies, including the SSA to the Governor of Kogi State, upon receiving reports of the attack. Personnel were deployed to secure the facility, restore order, and launch a manhunt for the escapees. “As of right now, five of the escaping inmates have been apprehended, and efforts are underway to capture the remaining inmates and bring them to justice,” he said.
He said a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of the escapes has been ordered by the Acting Controller General of Corrections. “The Service encourages the public to maintain composure and assist security forces by offering any helpful information that could aid in the capture of individuals who are still at large. People are urged to notify the closest security agency of any suspicious activity. The Service reassures Nigerians that safeguarding custodial facilities is still of utmost importance and that steps are being taken to make all facilities more secure. The NCoS is still dedicated to making sure that correctional facilities fulfill their mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates”, the service added.
