Chaos erupted at the Suleja Custodial Centre in Niger State as 119 inmates made a daring escape following a fierce rainstorm that battered the facility on Wednesday.
According to Samson Duza, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory Command, the destructive storm ravaged the Suleja facility, breaching its walls and unleashing mayhem. Duza explained, “The downpour wreaked havoc on the surrounding buildings and part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence.”
In the wake of the tumultuous breakout, Duza revealed that immediate measures were taken to recapture the fleeing inmates. “The service had immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms in conjunction with sister security agencies,” he stated.
Despite the swift action, only 10 out of the 119 escapees have been successfully apprehended and returned to custody. Duza affirmed, “With the help of sister agencies, we have recaptured 10 of them and taken them into custody, while we are in hot chase to recapture the others.”
Drawing attention to the dilapidated state of many correctional facilities, Duza underscored the urgent need for modernization. “Many of its facilities were built during the colonial era, and had become old and weak,” he noted. “In view of this, the service was making frantic efforts to see that all ageing facilities gave way to modern ones.”
READ ALSO: Court Hands Down 3-Year Imprisonment to Teenager for Stealing Water Taps
Indeed, the Nigerian Correctional Service has embarked on ambitious plans for the construction of six ultra-modern custodial centres across the nation. Duza emphasized, “This is evidenced in the ongoing construction of six 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria.”
In the midst of the turmoil, Duza sought to reassure the public, urging them to carry on with their daily activities without fear. “The command was on top of the situation,” he assured, “and urged residents to go about their businesses without fear or hindrance.”
Furthermore, Duza implored the populace to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. “We also enjoined the public to look out for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency,” he stressed.
