A prison break rocked the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, in the early hours of Monday, with at least 12 inmates managing to escape.
Unlike previous jailbreaks in the area, which were often carried out by armed assailants, this escape appeared to have been executed without external intervention.
Reports indicate that the inmates fled through the tower, raising concerns about possible security lapses or internal collusion.
While correctional facility officials are yet to issue an official statement, the Kogi State government has confirmed the incident and called on the Federal Government to launch a thorough investigation.
In a statement, Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, described the escape as “unfortunate” and assured the public that efforts were underway to recapture the fleeing inmates.
“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,” Fanwo stated.
He further disclosed that Ahmed Ododo, the Governor of Kogi State has directed the State Security Adviser to work closely with correctional authorities and security agencies to prevent future security breaches.
The state government, he added, remains committed to supporting federal security agencies with logistics and other resources to enhance their effectiveness.
Fanwo commended the swift response of security operatives and urged the public to remain vigilant. “We call on residents to report any suspicious individuals in their communities.
“Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” he warned.
Despite the gravity of the incident, the state government assured residents that the situation was under control and urged them to go about their daily activities without fear.
“The security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo affirmed.
It was learnt that security agencies are currently working to track down the escapees, while an official probe is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
