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Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, on Monday gave an official account of how the Owerri Correctional Centre in Imo State was overran by unknown gunmen, after which 1,844 inmates in custody were set free.
The CG, John Mrabure, in a statement issued on his behalf by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Francis Enobore, narrated that the attackers gained entrance into the premises using explosives to blast open the administrative block.
“The attackers who stormed the facility at about 0215hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, 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.
“They eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance,” he explained.
The statement added that the CG has “ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in collaboration with other security organizations, commenced a search and recover operations to recapture the fleeing inmates”.
“While appealing to the good citizens of Imo State and indeed Nigerians to volunteer useful intelligence that will facilitate the recovery effort, the Ag. Controller-General wishes to assure 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 our history,” the statement said.
He added that so far, six inmates have voluntarily returned to the facility, while 35 others refused to escape from custody during the attack.
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