By Ken Chiwendu
Heavy rainfall in Niger State on Wednesday night has resulted in the escape of 118 inmates of the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre
According to a statement signed by the spokesperson, Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Adamu Duza, on Thursday the rains caused severe damage to infrastructure at the custodial centre including the perimeter fence making the inmates to escape.
In a bid to stop the fleeing inmates, the NCoS swiftly activated its recapturing protocols, collaborating with other security agencies to recover 10 of the escaped inmates.
Efforts to recapture the remaining fleeing inmates are said to be ongoing even as the service acknowledged that most of the prisons in the country were built during the colonial era and needed modernization.
Duza further noted that the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, assured the public that the situation was under control and urged them to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
The statement urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
“A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates of the facility.
“The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.
“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.”
“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance,”
