Security forces, on Thursday, foiled a jailbreak attempt at the Sapele Road Correctional Centre in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
It was gathered that disturbance broke out at the correctional facility, popularly known as White House, which led to the firing of gunshots, which caused panic among residents.
However, a combined team of security operatives, including the police, army, prison staff, and the vigilante, reportedly secured the facility.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the State Command of Corrections, DSC Aminu Suleman, notified that a confrontation broke out between inmates awaiting trial and convicted inmates.
“At about 12.30 pm, some awaiting trial inmates, especially the recaptured escapees, started protest which led to a confrontation between them and the convicted inmates. Reinforcement was immediately mobilised from the State Headquarters to enforce law and order.
“The situation has been completely controlled, and the Custodial Centre is calm. There was no escape of any inmates or death.
“Sister security agencies have shown solidarity by drafting their men around the outer perimeter fence to compliment Correctional Service Armed Squad personnel, to ensure total security of the custodial centre.
“The Controller of Corrections, Felix Lawrence, wishes to assure the general public that they should go about their normal business without any fear,” the statement said.
Suleman noted that investigations have begun to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the disturbance.
