Just in: Another jail break in Kogi, 2 soldiers shot dead, 240 inmates freed

A midnight attack by gunmen on Sunday on the Medium Security Custodial Centre (prison) in Kabba, Kogi State, leaving two soldiers dead and no fewer than 240 inmates set free.

The gunmen, who came in droves, had shot their way into the facility located on the Kabba-Lokoja highway, killing the military guards on the road to the prison.

After destroying the security apparatus both at the checkpoint and the facility, the gunmen flung open the prison gates and loosed the prisoners.

Confirming the incident, the Nigerian Correctional Service spokesman, Mr Francis Enobore, said the gun attack occurred at midnight on Sunday.

“We urge the general public to assist security operatives with useful intelligence that will assist in recapturing the escapees.”

Persecondnews recalls that on November 2, 2016, the Koton Karfe prison in Kogi was attacked twice by gunmen and set free 144 inmates.

The prison came under attack of armed “external forces” between 9.30 pm and 10 pm also on a Sunday (Nov. 2).

In February 2012, the 50-bed facility, built in 1934, was also attacked in similar manner by “unknown gunmen”.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 8 in Lokoja, Mr Ayuba Ede, has confirmed the killing of two soldiers at the Kabba Correctional Centre.

The State Police Commissioner and other heads of security agencies have swung into action to apprehend those behind the jail break and rearrest the fleeing inmates, he said.