Koton-Karfe prison in Kogi State, Nigeria, was again breached last night, in a two-hour attack which freed 144 of the 145 prisoners held there. Most of these prisoners were being detained for armed robbery and murder.
Koton-Karfe prison in Kogi State, Nigeria, was again breached last night, in a two-hour attack which freed 144 of the 145 prisoners held there. Most of these prisoners were being detained for armed robbery and murder.
During the jailbreak, the facility was completely ransacked, its ceiling shattered and offices looted.
Details emerging from State Controller of Prisons today, Adams Omale, state that the prison was attacked by "external forces" between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Omale told the press that following the attack 12 inmates were re-arrested or returned to Koton-Karfe. He also disclosed that one inmate was shot dead during the chaos.
Kogi State governor Idris Wada visited the prison on Monday, and was encouraged by Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Aminu Suley, who also visited the scene, to work on reforming and decongesting prisons, an effort that would be key in preventing similar incidences.
While assuring residents of the state that the Kogi State government would work to secure the area, the governor was shocked at the condition of the prison, namely its lack of proper beds. He promised to provide better facilities for inmates.
Wada also encouraged Minister of Interior Abba Moro to ensure new prison facilities under construction in the area were completed in promptly.