October 23, (THEWILL) – The federal government has urged the inmates that escaped after gunmen invaded Abolongo Custodial Centre in Oyo State on Friday to turn themselves in.
The minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement issued on Saturday by his media adviser, Sola Fasure, urged the public to report any suspicious movement or sign of the escaped inmates and the gunmen.
He said, “At about 10.00pm yesterday, October 22, 2021, a large number of heavily-armed gunmen attacked the Abolongo Custodial Centre, in Oyo, Oyo State.
“Armed squad unit, members of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies on guard at the facility engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted for 20 minutes before they were overpowered.
“The attackers subsequently used grenades and other explosives to gain access into the awaiting trial section of the facility and set free many of the awaiting trial inmates. Other sections of the facilities were left untouched.
“The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been on the situation immediately the incident occurred.
“The Minister of Interior has been briefed on the attack. He is monitoring the situation.
“He has assured members of the public to go about their normal businesses as the situation is under control. He also requires members of the public to report any suspicious movement or any sign of the escaped inmates and the gunmen in and around the vicinity to the nearest security post around them.
“Security agencies are on the trail of the escaped inmates, while a joint security services manhunt has been launched immediately for the apprehension of the assailants.
“This has led to the capture of some of the inmates while others returned voluntarily. However, those who are on the run are advised to turn themselves in, as escape from lawful custody is a serious offence. The full weight of the law will be brought on them when arrested!”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, said 837 awaiting trial inmates escaped from the Abolongo Correctional Centre.
Its Public Relations Officer, Olanrewaju Anjorin, in a statement on Saturday in Ibadan, said 837 awaiting trial inmates were freed by the attackers, pointing out that the cell housing the convicts and the inmates were not vandalised.
He added 262 of the escaped inmates have been recaptured.
“Following the directives of the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, the State Controller, Noel Ailewon, has commenced the process of search and recapture after visiting the scene of the incident,” Anjorin said.
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