‘Gunmen used grenades, other explosives to bomb Oyo custodial centre’

Gunmen, who attacked and freed all inmates at the Abolongo Custodial Centre, in Oyo, Oyo State on Friday night, used grenades and other explosives to bomb the facilities before gaining entry.

Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.

• #EndSARS: Edo to pay N190m compensation to victims of police brutality
• 2023: States’ steering committee for Tinubu campaign inaugurated in Abuja

He said the heavily-armed gunmen, who overpowered security personnel on duty after 20 minutes gun duel, targeted the awaiting trial section of the facility and set free many of the awaiting trial inmates.

“At about 10.00 pm yesterday, October 22, 2021, a large number of heavily-armed gunmen attacked the Abolongo Custodial Centre, in Oyo, Oyo State.

“Armed squad unit members of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies on guard at the facility engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted for 20 minutes before they were overpowered.

“The attackers subsequently used grenades and other explosives to gain access into the awaiting trial section of the facility and set free many of the awaiting trial inmates.

“Other sections of the facilities were left untouched,” he said.

He said Aregbesola had been briefed on the attack, adding that the minister is monitoring the situation.

Aregbesola, therefore, assured members of the public to go about their normal businesses as the situation was under control, according to the statement.

He also required members of the public to report any suspicious movement or any sign of the escaped inmates and the gunmen, in and around the vicinity, to the nearest security post around them.

“Security agencies are on the trail of the escaped inmates, while a joint security services manhunt has been launched immediately for the apprehension of the assailants.

“This has led to the capture of some of the inmates while others returned voluntarily.

“However, those who are on the run are advised to turn themselves in, as an escape from lawful custody is a serious offence. The full weight of the law will be brought on them when arrested,” the statement added.