Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that a total of 262 escaped inmates from the Abolongo Correctional Centre in Oyo Town have been recaptured, while 575 were still at large.
The News Carrier NG reported how unknown gunmen invaded the prison around 9.30pm on Friday after they used dynamite to blast perimeter fence of the facility.
Olanrewaju Anjorin, Public Relations Officer of the command, said all the 837 awaiting trial inmates were freed by the attackers, pointing out that the cell housing the convicts and the female inmates were not vandalised.
According to a statement released by the Spokesman on Saturday, “The invaders arrived the centre heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and after a fierce encounter with the officers on guard, they gained entrance into the yard, using dynamite to blast the wall.
“All the awaiting trial detainees were forced out of custody, the cells housing the convicts and the female inmates were not vandalised.
“Meanwhile, a total of 262 of the escapees have been recaptured leaving 575 still at large.
“Following the directives of the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, the State Controller, Noel Ailewon, has commenced the process of search and recapture after visiting the scene of the incident,” Anjorin said.
He said the state controller had assured the public that no effort would be spared to recapture the fleeing inmates.
According to him, the controller-general has solicited for credible intelligence to assist the security agencies in tracking down the fleeing inmates.
He said that the Oyo Custodial Centre was established in 2007 with a capacity of 160 inmates, but had a total population of 907 at the time of the attack.
“Of this number, awaiting trial persons were 837 representing 92 per cent with just 64 convicts,” Anjorin said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola has assured members of the public to go about their normal businesses as the situation is under control.
He also requires members of the public to report any suspicious movement or any sign of the escaped inmates and the gunmenin and around the vicinity to the nearest security post around them.
According to the Minister, security agencies are on the trail of the escaped inmates, while a joint security services manhunt has been launched immediately for the apprehension of the assailants.
“This has led to the capture of some of the inmates while others returned voluntarily. However, those who are on the run are advised to turn themselves in, as escape from lawful custody is a serious offense. The full weight of the law will be brought on them when arrested!” he said.
