Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than 118 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Ikengaonline can authoritatively report.
The incident occured Wednesday night following a heavy downpour that wreaked havoc on the facility.
Spokesperson, Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Adamu Duza, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
He noted that the downpour caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
The statement said 10 inmates had already been recaptured through the collaborative efforts of other security agencies.
The statement added that efforts to recapture the remaining fleeing inmates were ongoing.
It acknowledged that the NCoS was committed to modernising its infrastructure to replace aging facilities.
The statement further noted that the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, assured the public that the situation was under control and urged them to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
It, therefore, encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
The statement read in part: “A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates of the facility.
“The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.
“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.”
“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance,” the statement added.
