FG urges inmates who escaped from Oyo prison break to return

FG implores the public to report any news they gather concerning their whereabouts.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged the inmates who escaped from the Oyo State’s Abolongo Custodial Centre to turn themselves in.

On Friday, it was gathered that the centre was attacked by gunmen who forced down the walls of the centre with explosives. This led to the escape of hundreds of inmates from the centre.

A total of 837 inmates, who are still awaiting trial escaped from the centre, but 262 of them have been recaptured.

Speaking after the incident, the media adviser to the Minister of Interior, Mr. Sola Fasure urged the inmates in a statement to the facility immediately.

Fasure also urged the public to report any suspicious movement or sign of the inmates or gunmen to the authority immediately they detect one.

“At about 10.00 pm yesterday, October 22, 2021, a large number of heavily-armed gunmen attacked the Abolongo Custodial Centre, in Oyo, Oyo State,” he said.

“Armed squad unit, members of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies on guard at the facility engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted for 20 minutes before they were overpowered.

“The attackers subsequently used grenades and other explosives to gain access into the awaiting trial section of the facility and set free many of the awaiting trial inmates. Other sections of the facilities were left untouched.

“The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been on the situation immediately the incident occurred.

“The Minister of Interior (Rauf Aregbesola) has been briefed on the attack. He is monitoring the situation.

“He has assured members of the public to go about their normal businesses as the situation is under control. He also requires members of the public to report any suspicious movement or any sign of the escaped inmates and the gunmen in and around the vicinity to the nearest security post around them.”