The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the urgent need for changes in over 240 custodial centres nationwide on Thursday.
After inspecting the damage caused by a severe downpour at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State, Tunji-Ojo told journalists that the recent breach was due to a natural disaster.
A heavy rain on Wednesday night caused extensive damage to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, allowing 119 inmates to escape.
The heavy rain severely damaged the custodial centre's infrastructure, including breaking the perimeter fence, which enabled inmates to flee.
However, 10 escaping inmates have been captured.
The minister pledged quick action and emphasized the ongoing search for the escapees.
Tunji-Ojo promised the Federal Government's commitment to bringing the remaining 109 fleeing inmates back into custody.
The minister explained, "Due to the force majeure, the storm, there was a breach of the outer wall of this facility, and some of the inmates escaped. We have managed to recapture 10 out of the 119. So, we have 109 still at large.
"The manhunt is currently underway. We will do everything possible to ensure everyone is brought back.
"We have also examined the cause of the incident to ensure it does not happen again.
"We can see that the walls are old, and unfortunately, there are certain responsibilities that we must take.
"But the most important thing is that we will do everything possible to restore order and prevent this from happening in any other facility.
Acknowledging the need for preventive measures, he recognized the role of aging infrastructure in the incident. Taking responsibility, the minister vowed to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
Tunji-Ojo said, "Clearly, we can see that the walls are old, and unfortunately, there are certain responsibilities that we must take. But the most important thing is that we will do everything possible to restore order and prevent this from happening in any other facility.
Discussing broader concerns, Tunji-Ojo pointed out the overcrowding issue, revealing that the centre, meant for 250 inmates, housed 499 before the breach. He emphasized the urgent need for changes.
Talking about long-term solutions, the minister suggested relocating correctional centres from urban areas and improving security and infrastructure.
He assured continued collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response for the prompt return of escapees.
"The president has always been talking about urbanization in our correctional centres.
"Looking at the environment, it shows that we need to relocate many of our correctional centres away from city centers to create better peace, security, and infrastructure. But as we have said, we are not here to make excuses. We are here to take responsibility.
The speaker wants to make sure that they are communicating with other related agencies to work together and ensure the escapees are returned promptly.
The facility was meant for 250 inmates, but before the incident, there were 499 inmates, highlighting the problem of overcrowding in correctional centers.
Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of custodial centers as symbols of hope, confirming the government’s dedication to the safety and rehabilitation of all individuals.
