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, called the incident “unfortunate” and assured the public that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, would work to prevent future occurrences.
He stated that law enforcement had already re-arrested one 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 said.
He added that Governor Usman Ododo had directed security agencies to prevent such 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… the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo added.
