The Nigerian Correctional Service ,NCoS, says 1,844 inmates escaped from it’s custodial centre in Owerri, Imo state after an attack by unknown gunmen.
In a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Francis Enobore, the attackers who stormed the facility at about 02:15 am on Monday, April 5, 2021, gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.
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Enobore also explained that they were said to have arrived at the centre in their large number in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna buses armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle. And eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance.
The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in collaboration with other security organizations, commenced search and recovery operations to recapture the fleeing inmates.
As at the last count, six inmates have so far voluntarily returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from custody during the attack.
(Editor: Abaje Usekwe)
