An attempted jailbreak at Benin Correctional Centre led by awaiting trial inmates was foiled on Thursday by joint security operatives in Edo State.
Security officers from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Police Force, and Nigerian Army were quickly dispatched to the Central Benin Correctional Centre to quell the rioting inmates.
The structure, also known as the White House, is located on Sapele Road, adjacent to the City Center, also known as Oba Ovoranmwen Square.
Aminu Suleman, spokesman for the Edo Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, saying no inmates escaped or died.
According to him, the attempted jailbreak started around 12.30 p.m. as a result of a confrontation between some awaiting trial inmates, particularly recaptured escapees, and convicted inmates.
Suleman went on to say that reinforcements from the state headquarters were dispatched right away to maintain law and order.
“At about 12.30 pm, some awaiting trial inmates especially the recaptured escapees started protest which led to a confrontation between them and the convicted inmates.
“Sister security agencies have showed solidarity by drafting their men around the outer perimeter fence to complement correctional service armed squad personnel to ensure total security of the custodial centre,” Suleman said.
He added that investigation into the incident has been instituted by the controller to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the disturbance.
“The controller of corrections, Felix Lawrence, wishes to assure the general public that they should go about their normal business without any fear,” he further said.
