Twelve inmates broke out of the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, in an early morning jailbreak on Monday, March 24, prompting a government investigation.
Kogi State Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate” and said security agencies had already re-arrested one escapee.
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns,” Fanwo stated.
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“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.”
He added that Governor Usman Ododo has ordered security agencies to prevent further breaches and urged the public to report any suspicious individuals.
“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” Fanwo warned.
He assured residents that there was no cause for panic, saying, “We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority.”