The Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State, which came under attack by unknown gunmen early on Monday morning, has confirmed the escape of 1,844 inmates from its custody.
It would be recalled Nigerians woke up to the news of the attack during which the attackers stormed the facility at about 0215hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, and gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.
They were said to have arrived 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, before they eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance.
Meanwhile, The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in collaboration with other security agencies, while a search-and-recover operation to recapture the fleeing inmates has commenced immediately.
While appealing to the good citizens of Imo State and indeed Nigeria to volunteer useful intelligence that will facilitate the recovery effort, the Acting Controller-General also to stressed that the security of custodial centres in the country remains sacrosanct.
He equally directed all officers attached to custodial facilities to remain vigilant at this trying moment in the history of the country.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of Corrections, Francis Enobore, on behalf of the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, says as at the last count, six inmates have so far voluntarily returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from custody during the attack.
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