Babatunji Wusu –
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Immediate Investigation Ordered: Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo directs a comprehensive probe into the jailbreak at Koton Karfe Custodial Centre in Kogi State.
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Use of Technology for Recapture: The minister assures that biometrics and security technology will be used to track down all fleeing inmates.
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Correctional Facility Audit: Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, ordered to conduct a full audit of the incident.
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Twelve Inmates Escaped: The jailbreak occurred in the early hours of Monday, with one inmate already recaptured while efforts continue to apprehend the others.
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Concerns Over Security Breach: Officials question how inmates escaped without structural damage, suggesting possible sabotage within the system.
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Government’s Response: Governor Usman Ododo instructs security agencies to reinforce security at correctional centers and prevent further breaches.
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Public Alert Issued: Residents urged to report suspicious individuals, with a warning that harboring escapees will lead to prosecution.
Following a jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Custodial Centre in Kogi State, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. The minister assured the public that all escaped inmates will be recaptured, leveraging biometric data and advanced security technologies already in place.
In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Babatunde Alao, the minister directed the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to visit the affected facility and commence a thorough audit of the circumstances surrounding the escape.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are already on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a full assessment of what happened,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
According to reports from DAILY POST, the early morning jailbreak saw twelve inmates escape, prompting immediate security responses. The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the incident, describing it as “unfortunate” but assured that security agencies are actively working to recapture the escapees.
Fanwo revealed that one of the inmates has already been rearrested, and authorities are pursuing leads to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
Security Concerns Raised:
Officials have raised concerns about the nature of the escape, questioning how the inmates managed to flee through the tower without causing any visible structural damage. “This raises serious suspicions and suggests potential sabotage within the system,” Fanwo stated, emphasizing the need for a deeper investigation.
Government’s Response:
Governor Usman Ododo has directed all security agencies in the state to strengthen security measures at correctional facilities to prevent further incidents. The government also issued a public warning, urging residents to report any suspicious individuals in their communities.
“Anyone caught harboring an escaped inmate will face legal consequences,” Fanwo warned.
Despite the incident, the commissioner reassured citizens that security forces are in full control, urging them to remain calm and continue their daily activities as normal.
“There is no cause for panic. The safety of lives and property remains our utmost priority,” he added.
