The Federal Government on Saturday explained that all efforts are being geared towards re-arresting inmates of the Oyo custodian centre where gunmen attacked in the late hours Friday.
It will be recalled that over 700 inmates were freed when unknown gunmen stormed the Abolongo Correction Centre, Oyo Friday evening.
Reacting, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement said attackers 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.
He said that 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 statement said, “The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been on the situation immediately the incident occurred.
“The Minister of Interior 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.
Security agencies are on the trail of the escaped inmates, while a joint security services manhunt has been launched immediately for the apprehension of the assailants.”
Advising the fleeing inmates to return out of their volition, he said recovery efforts have yielded results adding that “this has led to the capture of some of the inmates while others returned voluntarily.
He said, “However, those who are on the run are advised to turn themselves in, as escape from lawful custody is a serious offense. The full weight of the law will be brought on them when arrested!”
