Three of the 12 inmates who escaped during a jail break at Koton Karfe correctional centre in Kogi State have been rearrested.

The Acting Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service, Sly Nwakuche disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday at the Koton Karfe correctional centre.

He regretted that one of the officers of the correctional service was killed by the escaped prison inmates.

Nwakuche vowed that the remaining escapee will be apprehended.

He called on the general public to provide security agencies with all the needed information that will lead to the arrest of all the prison inmates who escaped from custody.

Kogi State Government has vowed to work with security agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding an early morning jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Center in Kotonkarfe, where 12 inmates escaped.

Officials have confirmed that one of the escapees has already been rearrested and is providing valuable information to law enforcement.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured citizens that the government is taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.

“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.

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,” Fanwo said.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with the Federal Correctional Center and other security agencies to ensure such security breaches do not happen again.

The state government has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting federal security agencies through logistics and other necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness.

Fanwo commended the swift response of security agencies in handling the situation and urged residents to remain vigilant.

“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harboring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” he warned.

While investigations continue, the government has assured residents that the situation is under control.

“There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo added.

Security agencies are intensifying efforts to track down the remaining escapees, and authorities have promised to provide updates as the situation unfolds.

The Edo State Anti-Kidnapping Task Force has demolished a property in Uromi, Esan North Local Government Area, belonging to Odianosen Oboh, due to his involvement in kidnapping activities in Edo Central.

A statement issued on Thursday in Benin by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo Governor, confirmed that the demolition followed Oboh’s arrest and confession to his role in multiple kidnappings.

Itua, in the statement, said Oboh allegedly admitted that he had recently received N800,000 from a kidnapping operation.

“My name is Odianosen Oboh. This house was built by my father, but I completed it. I joined my friend, Epama, in kidnapping a man.

“We abducted him from Ekpoma, and when the vehicle we were using broke down, I transported him on my motorcycle. After holding him for three days in the bush, we received a N5 million ransom.

“My share was N800,000, which I used to pay off debts. Epama was arrested, and I was later caught.

“Now, my house and my father’s house are being demolished because of N800,000. My family is homeless, and my children are suffering. I deeply regret my actions,” Oboh said in the statement.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Affairs, Akhere Paul, who supervised the demolition, reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating kidnapping in the state.

“There is no peace for the wicked. The government will not relent until kidnappers are eliminated.

“If you are involved in kidnapping, your time will come, and we will come for you.”

Commander of the Edo Anti-Kidnapping Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, confirmed that Oboh had fully confessed to his involvement in kidnapping.

“I personally interviewed him, and he admitted to the crime.

“He participated once with Palmer, whose house was also demolished. We will not rest until kidnapping is completely eradicated in Edo State,” he said.