In the wake of a structural collapse at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State, the Federal Government has launched an extensive search for 109 inmates who managed to flee.
The escape occurred amidst heavy rainfall on Wednesday night, which led to the downfall of the facility’s walls.
Authorities have mobilized all security agencies to track down the escapees and facilitate their prompt return.
Initial reports indicate that 119 inmates escaped during the incident, with 10 being recaptured shortly thereafter.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, conducted an on-site evaluation to assess the damage and gather details on the escapees.
He mentioned that the government is contemplating relocating the custodial centre to prevent future incidents.
“There was a breach on the outer wall of this facility and some of the inmates escaped.
“We were able to recapture 10 out of the 119 that escaped. So now, 109 are on the run. We have ordered a manhunt.
“The security agencies are presently going after them. We will do everything humanly possible to make sure that everyone is brought back here,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the escapees could voluntarily return to the facility, as their biometric data will be made public soon, aiding in their identification and capture.
He also pointed out communication lapses at the custodial centre, suggesting that timely and accurate reporting could have averted the breach.
The minister assured that a thorough investigation into both the immediate and underlying reasons for the perimeter fence collapse will be conducted.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the security of correctional facilities and preventing such occurrences in the future.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the aged and weakened state of the facility’s walls, recognizing the need for accountability and proactive measures to safeguard other similar establishments.
“We must make sure that this does not happen again. This could have been avoided if the right information at the appropriate time had been disseminated with regards to the structure and others.
“But we will get them back; we will secure our correctional facilities and make sure that this doesn’t happen again in Nigeria.
“Obviously, the walls are already old and weak, and there are certain responsibilities we must take. But we’ll do everything possible to prevent this happening in other facilities.”
