A heavy rainfall on Wednesday night damaged the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, leading to the escape of 118 inmates.
The Nigerian Correctional Service’s Federal Capital Territory Command spokesperson, Adamu Duza, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
The rain caused damage to the centre’s infrastructure, including the perimeter fence, enabling inmate escapes.
The NCoS initiated recapture efforts, working with security agencies to retrieve 10 inmates, with ongoing efforts to find the rest.
Francis John, controller of corrections, FCT Command, stated the situation is under control and encouraged the public to continue their activities and report any escaped inmates to the authorities.
The statement reads, “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.”
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