Victor EzejaOYO State Governor, Seyi Makinde has urged people of the State to be calm over the jailbreak that happened at Abolongo Correctional Facility, stating that security operatives have been deployed to critical national assets that could be soft target of attacks by the hoodlums.
The governor who stated this in a state broadcast yesterday night, said security personnel are to monitor all entrance and exit points across the state to track criminals.
He called on residents to be vigilant, watchful, and report any strange person or movement by calling the 615 Security Emergency Number
Suspected bandits on Friday night reportedly attacked the prison facility in Oyo town freeing unspecified number of inmates, killing a corporal of Nigerian army attached to Operation Burst and a member of Amotekun corps in the state, a situation that suddenly jolted the town into tension and created atmosphere of insecurity.
According to a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa, the governor has commiserated with families of the two slain security agents.
The statement noted that the governor had earlier visited another Amotekun Corp, Shukurat Omoba, who was injured in the attack and in critical condition at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
He added that the state is deploying all resources to ensure that she survives the situation, while also urging residents to join in prayers for her speedy recovery.
The governor said: “I am addressing you today to update you about recent happenings affecting the security of our state.
“Last night, security operatives responded to a distress call about a jailbreak in the Abolongo Correctional Centre, Oyo town.
“The correctional facility had been attacked with explosives, and some inmates were set free. “Our security men were ambushed. As a result, we lost two of our security agents – A corporal of the Nigerian Army attached to Operation Burst, and an Operative of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps.
“Aside from the two lives lost, we had several operatives injured. I must mention that one of our Amotekun female volunteers, Shukurat Omoba, is presently in critical condition.
“I have visited her at the hospital, and we are deploying all state resources to ensure that she survives this.
“Please, let us all join in prayer for her speedy and complete recovery.
“Although some inmates have been recovered and taken back into custody, some are still at large. All security agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure that all that escaped are rearrested and returned to custody.
“I am, therefore, using this opportunity also to put the citizens on alert. There is no better time to repeat the call to action: if you see something, please say something. These criminals would want to go to areas where they will not be easily rearrested. If you spot any unexplained strangers in your community, please call the 615-security emergency number immediately, and make a report.
“I have directed the security agencies to deploy personnel to critical national assets within the state and to monitor all entrance and exit points across the state.”
The governor equally called on residents of the state to disregard speculations doing the rounds on social media about the attack, stating that the authorities have begun investigations into the matter.
“I appeal to you, the good people of Oyo State, to remain calm. We are aware of the various speculations going round especially on social media regarding the reason for this attack. I urge you all to disregard any such rumours as the authorities are still investigating the matter.
“Rest, assured that we will continue to do everything we are constitutionally allowed to do to secure our state,” he added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
Follow Us