Nine of the twelve inmates who escaped during an early morning jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Facility in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, have been re-arrested.
While details surrounding the incident remain unclear, the Kogi State Government has called for a thorough investigation into the escape.
State Government Reacts
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the incident and expressed concerns over possible internal collusion. He assured that the state government is committed to working with security agencies to maintain law and order.
In a statement, Fanwo said:
“According to reports, 12 inmates escaped, with one already rearrested and returned to custody. The jailbreak theory is unacceptable to the Kogi State Government, as there is clear evidence of internal compromise leading to the breach.”
He highlighted the government’s ongoing support for security agencies, including the correctional centers in the state, through logistics and resources. However, he questioned how the inmates managed to escape through the facility’s tower without any structural damage, emphasizing the need for a full investigation.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with the Federal Correctional Centre and security agencies to prevent future incidents.
Federal Government Orders Investigation
The Federal Government has also launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the escape. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the jailbreak as unfortunate and assured that all fleeing inmates would be recaptured.
In a statement by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, the minister instructed the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility and conduct a comprehensive audit to determine the cause of the breach.
“We are on top of the situation. Our personnel are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a full audit to uncover the events leading to this incident,” he stated.
Security agencies remain on high alert to ensure the remaining escaped inmates are apprehended and to prevent any further security breaches.
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