In the early hours of Monday, a daring prison break occurred at the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, the headquarters of Kogi Local Government Area, with authorities estimating that no less than 12 inmates have escaped.
Unlike previous breakouts marked by violent incursions, this incident appears to have been executed with unnerving precision. Reports indicate that the escapees made their way out through a prison tower without causing any apparent structural damage—a detail that has raised significant concerns among security officials.
The Kogi State government has confirmed the occurrence of the break and is urging the Federal Government to launch an immediate investigation. In a statement released Monday, State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate” and announced that a thorough inquiry would be initiated to uncover the exact circumstances behind the escape. “The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns,” Fanwo said. “This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system.”
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reportedly directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with the Federal Correctional Centre and other relevant agencies to ensure that such security breaches are not repeated. The state government also reiterated its commitment to bolstering federal security operations by providing additional logistical and other support as necessary.
Security agencies have responded swiftly to the incident, launching manhunts for the escapees. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, with authorities warning that anyone found harboring an escaped inmate will be held accountable. “We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities,” Fanwo stated, adding that while investigations are ongoing, citizens should continue their daily routines without panic as the safety of lives and property remains a top priority.
As the investigation unfolds, the peculiar nature of the breakout—executed without the expected collateral damage—has intensified calls for a detailed probe into the security protocols at the facility. The Kogi State government’s decisive response aims to restore confidence and prevent further breaches in the future.
