No fewer than 12 inmates escaped on Monday at the federal correctional centre located in the Koton Karfe area of Kogi State.
Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi Commissioner for Information, confirmed the incident which he described as “unfortunate”.
“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harboring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” Fanwo warned.
He reassured the public that the state government is implementing strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future, adding that security operatives have successfully re-arrested one of the escapees, and ongoing efforts are in progress to capture the remaining fugitives.
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns,” he said.
“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.”
Fanwo said Usman Ododo, Kogi governor, has directed the state’s security adviser to work with the federal correctional centre and other security agencies to prevent future security breaches.
The aide asked residents to remain calm and assured that security agencies are in control of the situation.
“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,” Fanwo added.
