Twelve Escape Koton Karfe Custodial Centre; Interior Minister Orders Immediate Probe

No fewer than twelve inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, early Monday morning, sparking an immediate investigation ordered by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The jailbreak, confirmed by Abubakar Umar, National Spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), involved all inmates awaiting trial (ATI). Umar stated that two of the escapees have already been apprehended, and that intensive efforts are underway to recapture the remaining ten.

“Twelve of the inmates in our custody at the Koton Karfe medium-security facility have escaped. They are all awaiting trial, but as I speak with you now, two have been captured.”

Umar informed journalists. “We are already working to apprehend the remaining inmates on the run. “All search mechanisms have been activated to apprehend the fleeing inmates.”

Tragically, Umar confirmed that one officer was killed during the attack. The circumstances surrounding the officer’s death are still being investigated.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, responded quickly to the incident, calling it “unfortunate” and ordering an immediate investigation.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Babatunde Alao, the Minister has promised to use the NCoS’s biometric data and deploy technology solutions to capture all fleeing inmates.

The statement also stated that Hon. Tunji-Ojo has directed the Acting Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi, to personally visit the Koton Karfe facility to assess the situation firsthand and initiate a comprehensive audit to determine the precise circumstances leading to the jailbreak.

“We are on top of the situation.” Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a thorough investigation into the situation,” the Minister said, emphasising the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.

The investigation is expected to shed light on security flaws, potential negligence, and any other factors that contributed to the escape. Local residents are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

The NCoS has assured the public that every effort is being made to apprehend the escaped inmates and secure the Koton Karfe community.