The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed that no fewer than 1.993 Inmates have gone missing following the attacks on two Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Custodial Centres in Benin City and Oko, Edo State.
It has also revealed that weapons in the armouries of the two Custodial Centres’ were looted by the attackers who are still at large.
These were contained in a statement signed by the Director, Press & Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Mohammed Manga, on Tuesday evening.
According to the statement, the attackers “were unmistakable in their mission, which was to force the cells open, free the inmates and carry out other nefarious activities.”
The statement which condemned the attacks, stressed that most of the inmates held at the centres were convicted criminals serving terms for various criminal offences, awaiting execution or standing trial for violent crimes.
“Their being let loose gravely imperils lives and property.
“It is an unacceptable and intolerable threat to national and communal security.”
The statement however assured that men of the Nigerian police are on top of the matter, adding that security has been beefed up in and around the custodial centres nationwide.
It went further to disclose that government has commenced investigation to determine the full impact of the attack, noting that security agencies have begun the tracking and apprehension of escaped inmates before they harm to anyone.
