Twelve inmates escaped from the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, during an early morning jailbreak on Monday.
Kogi State Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the incident as “unfortunate” and assured residents that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, was taking necessary measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Fanwo confirmed that law enforcement agencies have already recaptured one of the escapees, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.
“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.
The commissioner stated that Governor Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to take all necessary measures to prevent future security breaches.
“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” he warned.
“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.
