The Nigerian Correctional Service has said six inmates voluntarily returned while 35 others refused to escape from custody after the correctional facility was attacked on Monday, April 5, in Owerri, Imo state.
In a statement issued by the NCoS public relations officer, Francis Enobore, the service said a total of 1,844 inmates fleed during the attack.
“The Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State has been attacked by unknown gunmen and forcefully released a total of 1,844 inmates in custody.
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The attackers who stormed the facility at about 0215hrs on Monday April 5, 2021, gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.
They were said to have arrived at the centre in their large number in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna buses armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle. They eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance.
The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in collaboration with other security organizations, commenced a search and recovery operations to recapture the fleeing inmates,” the statement reads in part.
