Authorities have called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure all escapees are recaptured.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that 12 inmates escaped from the Koton Karfe Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kogi State during the early hours of Monday.
NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, speaking in Abuja, stated that while two of the escapees have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining ten.
He assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
“We are still examining how the inmates managed to escape without causing structural damage. Sadly, one of our officers lost his life during the incident,” Umar said, adding that security agencies are working together to track down the escapees.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, also confirmed the incident, urging residents to remain calm and go about their daily activities.
“There is no cause for panic. The security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo stated.
He further urged the public to report any suspicious individuals, warning that anyone found sheltering an escaped inmate would be held accountable.
Meanwhile, Governor Usman Ododo has directed an investigation into the jailbreak and instructed the state’s security adviser to collaborate with federal correctional authorities to prevent future breaches.
Similarly, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has also ordered a probe into the escape.
In a statement released by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, Tunji-Ojo described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured that advanced biometrics and technology solutions would be used to track down the fugitives.
He has also tasked the acting Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi, with assessing the situation and conducting a comprehensive audit of the facility.
“We are on top of the situation. Our officers are on the ground in Kogi, and a full review of the security framework is being conducted,” the minister said.
Authorities have called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure all escapees are recaptured.