BREAKING: 1,993 inmates escape from Edo prisons

No fewer than 1,993 inmates escaped from Custodial Centres in Benin City and Oko in Edo State were attacked on Monday.

This came following the attack on the centres by thugs.

Mohammed Manga, Director of Public Relations in the Ministry of Interior, who made this known on Tuesday, said the attackers looting the centres, including the weapons in their armoury.

“They were unmistakable on their mission, which was to force the cells open, free the inmates and carry out other nefarious activities.

“The situation has been brought under control while security in and around the custodial centres nationwide has been beefed up. Investigation has commenced to determine the full impact of the attack.”

“The integrity of the custodial centres is therefore fundamental to justice. Inmates of the centres are expected to pay their dues to society, undergo reformation and be reintegrated into society as changed-for-better persons.

“When this process is disrupted in any way, the integrity of justice and societal renewal is subverted, with dire and unimaginable consequences.

“Most of the inmates held at the centres are convicted criminals serving terms for various criminal offences, awaiting execution or standing trial for violent crimes.”

“Government’s primary duty is to protect lives and property and keep the people safe. We shall not be shirking in our responsibility and we shall not disappoint the people”, Manga said.