24th October, 2021
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, assured Nigerians that the attack on Abolongo Custodial Centre in Oyo, Oyo State has been brought under control, telling members of the public to go about their businesses.
The Minister who was reacting to the incident via a statement by his Media Aide, Sola Fasure, stated that he had been briefed by the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and he is monitoring the situation.
Aregbesola stated further that the awaiting trial section was attacked by grenades and other explosives, thereby setting some of the awaiting trial inmates free.
Security agents have rearrested some of those who escaped while some have voluntarily returned to the centre while security agents are on the trail of others.
Heavily armed gunmen attacked the Abolongo Custodial Centre late Friday, 22 October 2021 and engaged the security agents on the ground in a gun duel which lasted for about 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 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 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.
“This has led to the capture of some of the inmates while others returned voluntarily. However, those who are on the run are advised to turn themselves in, as an escape from lawful custody is a serious offence. The full weight of the law will be brought on them when arrested,” the statement said.