Attempts to free inmates at the Medium Custodial Centre in Ubiaja, Edo State, was on Wednesday aborted by a joint operation of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service and the Nigeria Army.
It was learnt that the attempted jailbreak initiated by some hardened criminals among the inmates incited others to riot and replicate what happened at Oko Benin and Owerri to effect a possible jailbreak.
Aminu Suleiman, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Edo State Command, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Benin City.
He said the situation led to violence, damaging of cells, the administrative blocks, medical office and boring of holes on the perimeter fence in a bid to facilitate their escape from custody.
He said the inmates were eventually repelled and overpowered due to re-enforcement of personnel from sister security agencies who were deployed to the custodial center to ensure calm and full control of the situation.
Suleiman, who said no inmate escaped from the custody and no life was lost during the process, however said some staff and inmates sustained various degrees of injuries.
“The state Controller, Felix Lawrence who was at the Custodial Centre on Thursday, thanked the various sister security agencies for the effective synergy and prompt response and assures the general public of peace and calm of the various custodial centers in Edo State Command,” he added.
