TheCable

Some gunmen attacked Minna medium security prison in Niger state on Sunday, killing an official of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) and a commercial motorcyclist.

The gunmen, who were said to have attacked the prison’s southern part, reportedly set free at least 20 inmates.

In a statement, Rabiu Shuaibu, spokesman of NPS, said seven inmates had been rearrested.

“On Sunday, 3rd June, 2018 at about 8pm, there was a jailbreak at Minna Medium Security Prison located at Tunga area of Minna Metropolis,” he said in a statement.

“The unfortunate incident was perpetuated by armed criminals who attacked the prison and gain access after exchange of fire with prison armed men. This led to death of a prison officer and an Okada rider who conveyed a prison officer on night duty.

“So far, through combined effort of all security agencies in the state, seven prisoners who attempted to escape have been recaptured and returned to the prison.

“The prison authority in Minna is profiling the number of fleeing inmates to ascertain the escaped prisoners. However, normalcy has returned and security agencies are working together to ensure that fleeing inmates are recaptured.

“The general public is hereby assured of its safety; and advised to go on with its normal business.

“At this juncture, we will like to urge all law abiding citizens to support the security agencies in maintaining law and order as security is a collective responsibility. We also advise that citizens should endeavor to report to security agencies any suspicious person or group of persons.”

Editor’s note: This picture was used for illustrative purposes