Victor Ezeja
FOLLOWING the attack of Abolongo Correctional Centre in Oyo town on Friday night by suspected bandits, the state governor, Seyi Makinde has promised to install CCTV cameras as part of efforts to ensure adequate security of the facility.
Makinde who stated this during his visit to the correctional centre on Sunday to inspect level of attack on the facility, said his government would take drastic measures to protect the centre and ensure adequate security in the town.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, Makinde also said he has ordered immediate repair of main road leading to the facility.
Describing the incident, the governor said, “This is shocking and, unfortunately, we lost a soldier and an Amotekun Operative. Another person is on the danger list at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, as we speak.
“In the main, the investigation is still on-going and we cannot say precisely whether this is an isolated event or the beginning of a wider issue that we have to deal with. But whatever the case is, we have made an assessment and taken some immediate decisions.
“We have asked that the main road to this facility be graded immediately. “We will position security cameras here and link it back to our security situation room. It is not just only for this facility but for other correctional facilities in the state.
The governor also said they have taken stock of critical state assets to monitor which could be soft targets of attacks, adding that he has ordered strict monitoring of all entrance and exit points across the state.
He disclosed that almost 300 criminals are on the loose in the state due to the jailbreak, stressing that there is need for continued efforts to round up the criminals who might constitute threat in the state, and bring them back to the facility to continue serving their terms.
He added, “About the high-profile suspects here, people are very quick to start talking about conspiracy theories. What I can say is that the investigation is still on. Yes, there were high profile criminals that were held in this facility.”
He appealed to members of the public to be calm and believe in the capability of the leaders to handle the situation.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
