Twelve inmates in the early hours of Monday escaped from the medium security correctional centre at Koton Karfe, Kogi State.
The inmates were said to have escaped without causing any serious damage to the facility, fuelling internal collaboration.
The jailbreak is coming barely six years after over 200 inmates escaped from the centre when heavy floods submerged the walls of the prison.
Reports said one of the 12 inmates that escaped on Monday have been rearrested and returned to the centre.
Reacting, The Kogi State government described the jailbreak incident as unfortunate.
Government, however, rejected the jailbreak theory.
“The jailbreak theory is unacceptable to the Kogi State Government as there are clear evidences of internal compromise and collaboration, leading to the unfortunate breach.
“The circumstances surrounding the escape, including reports suggesting that the inmates fled through the tower without causing structural damage to the facility, raise serious concerns that necessitate a thorough investigation,” the state Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo said in a statement.
He called for a thorough investigation inot the incident to “prevent future occurrences, and identify any internal or external collaborators who may have facilitated this breach.
“The security of Kogi State remains our top priority, and we expect the relevant agencies to leave no stone unturned in addressing this incident.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed the State Security Adviser to work closely with the Federal Correctional Center and all relevant security agencies to ensure such an incident does not recur.
“The Kogi State Government stands ready to provide all necessary support to get to the root of the matter and strengthen security measures across the state.”
Kogi State government then commended the prompt response of the Federal Correctional Center and security agencies in managing the situation.
Fanwo urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities in their communities to law enforcement authorities.
He also warned that any individual or community found harboring escaped inmates will be held accountable.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
