Twelve inmates has reportedly escaped from the Federal Correctional Center in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, in the early hours of Monday.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the incident through a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
He described the jailbreak as “unfortunate” and assured the public that the government is taking decisive measures to prevent a recurrence.
According to him, the state government is working with security agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding the escape.
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.
“This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system,” he stated.
He added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with the Federal Correctional Center and other security agencies to strengthen security and prevent future breaches.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting federal security agencies through logistics and other necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness.
While investigations continue, Fanwo assured residents that the situation is under control and urged them to remain calm.
“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.
