March 24, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape of some inmates during an early morning jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, on Monday.
THEWILL earlier reported that three of the twelve fleeing inmates have been rearrested. The Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi, said one of the officers of the correctional service was killed by the escapees.
Reacting to the incident, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation. He vowed that all fleeing inmates would be captured and returned to the facility.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation”, he said.
Earlier, the Kogi State Government described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured citizens that the government is taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.
“Kogi State Government has vowed to work with security agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding an early morning jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, where 12 inmates escaped.
“Officials have confirmed that one of the escapees has already been rearrested and is providing valuable information to law enforcement.
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns. This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system.
“There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority.
“Security agencies are intensifying efforts to track down the remaining escapees, and authorities have promised to provide updates as the situation unfolds”, the State Government said in a statement issued by Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo.
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