Not less than 262 inmates escaped from the Jos Prison Break on Sunday with 12 now recaptured and 11 people confirmed dead following the attack by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Gabriel Ubah disclosed that the arrest on the recaptured inmate was made during a stop and search operation carried out by the Police
Ubah who spoke with journalists on Monday in Jos said;
“On 28/11/2021 at about 1720hrs, the medium-security custodial centre in Jos came under attack by yet to be identified gunmen where some inmates escaped. Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bartholomew Onyeka who led reinforcement to the scene, directed that the entire centre be cordoned.
“The CP also directed immediate stop and search where nine (9) escapees have been re-captured by the Police and are in custody while one escapee voluntarily surrendered himself to the Police. Based on the prompt response, the situation was brought under control by the superior gunfire of Security Agencies. The Police and other Security Agencies are currently on the ground to effectively deprive the hoodlums of the space they desire to perpetrate their evil acts.”
The Controller of the Jos Correctional Service Centre, Samuel Agunda also confirmed that nine fleeing inmates, their Armed Guard and one of the attackers lost their lives during the bloody operation.
He said the attackers are suspected to be Fulani herdsmen from Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area who attempted to free some of their men that were jailed some years ago.
He noted, “Some of the attackers and a total of 262 inmates escaped in the melee before reinforcement could come from sister services. 10 have so far been recaptured leaving 252 at large.”
“Some of the inmates who did not escape confirmed that the attackers were from Barkin-Ladi. The Police succeeded in rearresting 10 of the escapees and two others were brought back by their parents, bringing to 12 the total number of those recaptured.”
Nababa condoled with the family and friends of the gallant officer who paid the ultimate price in the encounter, promising that the death will not be in vain as all the perpetrators will be hunted and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“I appreciate officers and men of other security agencies for the assistance in bringing the situation under control and assured members of the public that the safety of inmates including their care and support, will continue to be a top priority in his administration.”
“We thank the Police, the DSS who are our closes neighbours, they came to our rescue with Military men who came and were able to subdue the attackers.
“Some of the attackers escaped with gunshots, one was gun down and we are still counting our losses. We are still counting the number of inmates to know the actual number of escapees. Unfortunately, one of our armed squads, an Assistant Superintendent was killed.