The Federal Government has condemned Monday’s invasion of the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS Custodial Centres in Benin City and Oko in Edo state, saying it has begun a manhunt for about 1, 993 inmates who were freed from both facilities.
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola disclosed this in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja and signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Manga.
According to him, many of the fleeing inmates are convicted criminals serving terms for various criminal offences, awaiting execution or standing trial for violent crimes.
He said their release is, therefore, a breach of national security and constitutes a clear and present danger for the society.
The statement reads; “Two Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Custodial Centres in Benin City and Oko in Edo State were attacked yesterday by protesters purportedly under the #ENDSARS aegis, freeing (at the last count) 1,993 inmates in legal custody and looting the centres, including the weapons in their armoury.
“They came in large number, bearing dangerous weapons and attacked the officers on guard duty. 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. An investigation has commenced determining the full impact of the attack.
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