Twelve inmates escaped in the early hour of Monday from the Federal Correctional Center, Kotonkarfe, in Kogi State.
According to official information from the facility, one was already rearrested and returned to custody.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement said the jailbreak theory is unacceptable to the Kogi State Government as there are clear pieces of evidence of internal compromise and collaboration, leading to the unfortunate breach.
“We have consistently supported federal security agencies in their efforts to maintain law and order across the state. This includes providing logistics and other essential resources to enhance their operational effectiveness.
“Our support extends to all Correctional Centers within the state, reinforcing our commitment to a secure and well-managed correctional system.”
Other parts of the statement read;
“The circumstances surrounding the escape, including reports suggesting that the inmates fled through the tower without causing structural damage to the facility, raise serious concerns that necessitate a thorough investigation.
“It is imperative to establish the full facts, apprehend all escaped inmates, prevent future occurrences, and identify any internal or external collaborators who may have facilitated this breach.
“The security of Kogi State remains our top priority, and we expect the relevant agencies to leave no stone unturned in addressing this incident.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed the State Security Adviser to work closely with the Federal Correctional Center and all relevant security agencies to ensure such an incident does not recur.
“The Kogi State Government stands ready to provide all necessary support to get to the root of the matter and strengthen security measures across the state.
“We have been informed that one of the escaped inmates has already been rearrested and is providing valuable information to security agencies.
“The Government will closely monitor the investigation and response efforts to ensure all those responsible, whether inmates or accomplices are brought to justice.
“The Kogi State Government commends the prompt response of the Federal Correctional Center and security agencies in managing the situation.
“We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities in their communities to law enforcement authorities. Any individual or community found harboring escaped inmates will be held accountable.
“We assure the good people of Kogi State that there is no cause for panic. The government, in collaboration with security agencies, is fully in control of the situation.
“We encourage everyone to continue their daily activities peacefully, knowing that decisive action is being taken to safeguard lives and property.”
