Gladness Gideon
The Osun State Police Command has said it has not received any official notification regarding the reported escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa following a structural breach caused by heavy rainfall.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday, stating that although intelligence confirmed the escape, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) had yet to formally brief the command.
“We also heard about the escape, but no official report has been made to the police by the Correctional Service,” Ojelabi said. “From intelligence, it’s clear there was an escape, but the specific cause remains unknown. Our officers have visited the facility, but nothing concrete has been shared with us.”
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when torrential rainfall around 2:00 a.m. compromised the integrity of the facility’s perimeter, enabling the escape of seven inmates.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NCoS confirmed the breach, with Deputy Controller of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, stating that the Controller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche, had ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.
READ ALSO: Seven Inmates Break Out of Ilesa Prison, NCoS Launches Manhunt
“The Service is working closely with sister security agencies and community leaders to ensure the re-arrest of the escapees,” Abubakar said, while urging the public to assist by providing useful information that could aid their capture.
Despite the confirmation by correctional authorities, the police command emphasized the need for formal inter-agency communication, which they say has not yet occurred.
“Our role is to protect lives and property,” Ojelabi added. “Once we receive a proper report, we will do everything necessary to apprehend the escapees.”
A coordinated manhunt has since been launched to track down the fugitives, as security agencies intensify surveillance and community engagement in Ilesa and surrounding areas.