12 Inmates Escape in Kogi Jailbreak, Government Launches Manhunt
Kotonkarfe, Kogi State – A wave of panic swept through Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, on Monday morning after twelve inmates escaped from the Federal Correctional Centre in a daring jailbreak.
The shocking incident, which has raised serious security concerns, prompted an immediate response from the Kogi State Government and law enforcement agencies.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, assured the public that security forces have launched a manhunt for the fugitives and are working tirelessly to prevent a recurrence.
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns,” Fanwo stated.
“This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, apprehend the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system.”
In a glimmer of hope, one of the twelve escapees has been re-arrested, though the whereabouts of the remaining eleven fugitives remain unknown. Security agencies have intensified their search efforts, setting up surveillance and deploying personnel across key exit routes and neighboring communities.
Governor Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to strengthen measures at the facility and ensure that such a security breach does not occur again.
As the search intensifies, the Kogi State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals who may attempt to harbour or assist the escapees.
“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” Fanwo warned.
Despite the alarming development, authorities assured residents that there was 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,” Fanwo added.
The jailbreak has raised critical concerns about security lapses within Nigerian correctional facilities, with many questioning how a dozen inmates managed to escape undetected.
This is not the first jailbreak in Kotonkarfe Prison, which has witnessed similar breaches in the past, underscoring persistent security challenges in the country’s correctional system.
As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting on authorities to apprehend the fugitives swiftly and address systemic failures to prevent future occurrences.
The Kogi State Police Command, Nigerian Correctional Service, and other security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest authorities.
