ABUJA
Sixteen inmates at the Medium Security Prison, Keffi, Nasarawa State, yesterday, attacked personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service, breached the facility and escaped into thin air.
Spokesman of the service, Abubakar Umar, who confirmed this in a statement, said the incident occurred in the early hours of the day.
He said: “Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody.
“In the course of containing the situation, five personnel of the prison sustained injuries, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility.
“Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody.”
Meanwhile, the Comptroller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, has visited the facility and ordered a thorough investigation into the escape.
Nwakuche said no staff would be spared if found culpable. He directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies.
The statement added: “Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation.
“While preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.”
