By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City.
There was an attempted jail break today, the 28th day of October, 2021 at the Correctional Centre, along Sapele Road, Benin City, Edo State capital.
Though the cause of the shootings could not be ascertained, but eye witness confirmed that some of the prisoners where responsible while tried to escape through the fence.
The situation led to serious shooting as soldiers, police and vigilantes were drafted to scene to calm the situation.
Confirming the incident, the Command PRO, Edo State Command, DSC Aminu S. Suleman, said, “At about 12.30pm, some awaiting trial inmates especially the recaptured escapees started protest which led to a confrontation between them and the convicted inmates. Reinforcement was immediately mobilized from the State Headquarters to enforce law and order.
“The situation has been completely controlled and the Correctional Centre is calm. There was no escape of any inmates or death.
“Sister security agencies have showed solidarity by drafting their men around the outer perimeter fence to compliment Correctional Service Armed Squad personnel to ensure total security of the custodial Centre.
“The Controller of Corrections, Felix Lawrence wishes to assure the general public that they should go about their normal business without any fear. Meanwhile, investigation into the incident has been instituted by the Controller to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the disturbance,” the statement opined.