- 252 inmates on the run
Published By Olukayode Idowu
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said on Monday that eleven persons were lost in the attack on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Jos, Plateau State
A statement by the spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Francis Enobore on the Sunday’s attack revealed that a staff of the NCoS, one of the attackers and nine inmates were lost to the attack.
The statement read: “One of the gunmen trapped within the Medium Security Custodial Center, Jos after invading the facility has been identified as one of those killed in the gun duel.”
The statement while stating that the attackers, who stormed the Custodial Center at about 1720hrs on Sunday 28th November 2021 engaged the Nigerian Correctional Service(NCoS) armed squad personnel in a fierce gun battle before breaking into the yard, said: “Sadly, one of the NCoS Armed Squad personnel paid the supreme price in the encounter while 9 inmates also lost their lives.
It also said another staff of the Service was shot in the hand and 6 inmates were also injured in the attack.
The statement further revealed that some of the attackers and a total of 262 inmates escaped in the melee beforè reinforcement could come from sister services.
It however said 10 escapees have so far been recaptured leaving 252 still at large.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa was said to have condoled with the family and friends of the gallant officer who paid the ultimate price in the encounter promising that the death will not be in vain as all the perpetrators will be hunted and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Bababe, meanwhile, thanked the officers and men of other security agencies for the assistance in bringing the situation under control and assured members of the public that the safety of inmates including their care and support, will continue to be a top priority under his watch.
He called for collaboration from patriotic individuals to apprehend the fleeing inmates as well as appealed for volunteering of credible intelligence that could nip such ugly incidents in the bud. Enobore said Jos Medium Security Custodial Centre as at the time of Sunday’s attack, had 1,060 inmates comprising 560 pre-trial detainees and 500 convicts.