In the early hours of Monday, twelve inmates reportedly escaped from the Federal Correctional Center in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, in what has been described as a shocking and concerning jailbreak. The escape has raised serious security concerns, prompting swift action from both state and federal authorities to recapture the fugitives and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the jailbreak through an official statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo. The commissioner described the situation as “unfortunate” and reassured the public that decisive measures were being taken to address the security breach and prevent a recurrence.
According to Fanwo, the state government has immediately begun working closely with security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape. He emphasized that the authorities are determined to uncover the full details of the jailbreak, including how the inmates managed to flee without causing significant structural damage to the facility.
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns,” Fanwo stated, suggesting that there may have been internal lapses or possible sabotage involved in the incident. He stressed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, ensure the re-arrest of the fleeing inmates, and identify any individuals within the system who might have played a role in facilitating the breakout.
As part of the immediate response to the incident, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with the Federal Correctional Center authorities and other security agencies to strengthen security measures at the facility. The goal is to prevent any further breaches and ensure that all correctional facilities in the state are well-secured to avoid similar incidents in the future.
In addition to strengthening security, the Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting federal security agencies with logistics and other essential resources. Fanwo stated that the government recognizes the importance of equipping law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to enhance their operational effectiveness and prevent future jailbreaks.
While investigations into the jailbreak are ongoing, Fanwo assured residents of Kogi State that the situation is under control. He urged the public to remain calm and not to panic, as security agencies are actively working to address the matter and restore order.
“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,” he added.
The escape of the twelve inmates has sparked widespread concerns about the security of correctional facilities in Nigeria. Many citizens are calling for a review of the existing security measures to prevent future occurrences and ensure that all inmates remain in custody until they have served their respective sentences.
As the search for the escaped inmates continues, authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals who may be attempting to evade arrest. Security forces remain on high alert, and efforts to track down and recapture the fugitives are in full force.