By Ayomide otitoju
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has called for collaboration with relevant authorities in the Federal Capital Territory to fast-track the prosecution of inmates awaiting trial at the Keffi Medium Custodial Centre.
The governor made the appeal during a visit to the facility on Wednesday, a day after 16 inmates escaped during a jailbreak. He noted that many of those awaiting trial were linked to cases before FCT courts and pledged to explore ways to decongest the centre.
Addressing the inmates, Sule urged them to remain law-abiding and announced the immediate provision of 500 mattresses to improve living conditions, after observing that many slept on bare floors. He also commended security personnel for recapturing some of the escapees and urged residents to report suspicious individuals.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, five officers sustained injuries during the incident — two of them in serious condition — while seven of the escaped inmates have been rearrested.
Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Nwakuche has ordered a full investigation into the breach, warning that any staff found complicit will face disciplinary action.
