BREAKING: 12 Inmates Escape from Kogi Correctional Center as Government Orders Probe

In a major security breach, twelve inmates have escaped from the Medium Correctional Center in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, in the early hours of Monday.

Authorities have confirmed that one of the escapees has been rearrested and is providing crucial intelligence to law enforcement agencies.

Security operatives have been deployed across the state to recapture the fleeing prisoners and prevent further incidents.

The Kogi State government has vowed to collaborate with security agencies to investigate the jailbreak and bring the culprits to justice.

Reacting to the development, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate” and raised concerns about the method of 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,” Fanwo stated.

He further assured citizens that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the State Security Adviser to work closely with the Federal Correctional Center and other security agencies to prevent future security breaches.

“The state government has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting federal security agencies through logistics and other necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness,” Fanwo added.

Fanwo praised the swift response of security agencies and urged residents to remain alert.

“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harboring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” he warned.

While assuring that the situation was under control, he urged citizens to continue their daily activities without fear.

“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 assured.

Meanwhile, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Ovye Aya, said he could not immediately confirm the full details of the incident. He disclosed that he was on his way to the scene alongside the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, for an on-the-spot assessment.

This latest incident adds to a troubling history of jailbreaks in Kogi State. The Koton-Karfe Federal Medium Prison was attacked in 2014, leading to the escape of 144 prisoners. In 2021, another jailbreak occurred in Kabba Local Government Area of the state.

Security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the remaining escapees, and authorities have promised to provide updates as the situation unfolds.