By Alade Adisa
No fewer than 12 inmates of the Kotonkarfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State escaped from the facility on Monday. Reports indicate that they fled through the tower.
Although officials of the correctional facility have declined to comment, the Kogi State government has confirmed the incident and urged the Federal Government to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, assured the public that the government is collaborating with security operatives to determine the cause of the jailbreak and ensure the re-arrest of the escapees.
“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 stated.
He added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to work closely with the Federal Correctional Service and other security agencies to prevent future security breaches.
“The state government remains committed to supporting federal security agencies through logistics and other necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness,” he said.
Fanwo also assured residents of Kogi State that the situation is under control and urged them not to panic.
“There is no cause for alarm. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as usual, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” he added.
