A jailbreak occurred at the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, in the early hours of Monday and at least 12 inmates are believed to have escaped.
Unlike previous jailbreaks involving armed attacks, this escape happened quietly, with reports suggesting that the inmates fled through the tower without any structural damage to the facility. The incident has raised serious concerns about possible internal involvement, prompting the Kogi State government to demand a thorough investigation.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the escape in a statement on Monday. He assured the public that the government is working with security agencies to determine how the prisoners managed to break out and to recapture them.
Fanwo described the situation as “unfortunate” and said that security measures will be reviewed to prevent future breaches. “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,” he noted.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to work closely with the Federal Correctional Centre and other security agencies to strengthen security at the facility. The state government has also pledged to support federal security forces by providing logistics and other resources to boost their efficiency.
Authorities have commended security agencies for their swift response to the situation. Residents have been urged to remain alert and report any unfamiliar individuals in their communities. “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.
While investigations continue, officials have assured the public that the situation is under control. “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.
