A prison break occurred early Monday at the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, located in Kogi Local Government Area, Kogi State. Although the exact number of escapees has not been officially confirmed, the state government has reported that at least 12 inmates managed to escape. Unlike previous incidents where gunmen assisted in freeing prisoners, this escape was notably smooth, with the inmates reportedly fleeing through the prison tower.

While officials at the correctional facility have refrained from commenting, the Kogi State government has acknowledged the incident and called for a federal investigation into the matter. Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, issued a statement confirming the escape and emphasized the state’s commitment to working with security forces to identify the cause and ensure the escapees are recaptured.

Fanwo described the escape as “unfortunate” and stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation. He noted the unusual nature of the escape, pointing out that the inmates exited without damaging the prison structure, which raises concerns about possible internal sabotage. In response, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to work closely with the Federal Correctional Centre and other security agencies to prevent future breaches.

The state government has also pledged to support federal security agencies with necessary resources to improve their operational capacity. Fanwo commended the swift actions of the security forces and urged the public to report any suspicious activity. He assured citizens that the situation is under control and urged them to carry on with their daily routines without fear, as the security of lives and property remains a top priority.