Benin Jailbreaks: Obaseki Inspects Correctional Facilities, Issues Ultimatum to Fleeing Inmates



The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has issued ultimatum to fleeing inmates from the Medium Security Correctional Centres (MSCC) on Sapele Road and at Oko, Airport Road, to return to the prisons before Friday, October 23rd, 2020.

 

Obaseki gave the ultimatum while inspecting the correctional facilities on Sapele Road and at Oko, in Benin City, the state capital on Wednesday.

 

Obaseki was accompanied on the inspection of the affected facilities by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ethan Uzamere, and DIG Celestine Okoye, among others.

 

Obaseki said the level of destruction in the state was never in the spirit of the #ENDSARS protests, but the action of criminal elements who have now caused unrest in the state.


"This is not in the spirit of #ENDSARS protests. The protesters were focused on reforming the police system not to destroy prisons and release inmates. You can tell that there was some criminal intention behind these acts.”

 

Obaseki said the #ENDSARS protests in Edo State were hijacked by criminals and some inmates were released in the process, noting, "We condemn the act wholeheartedly and even the #ENDSARS protesters have joined us in condemning this act. Government can't sit down, fold its hands and allow a breakdown of law and order in our society because everyone will be affected."

 

He added: "We know some of the inmates have been released but we appeal to all inmates who have escaped to come back on their own before the close of business on Friday. They should report themselves back as nothing will be done to them but failure to do that, we will come after them as we have their records.”

 

Assuring of the government's support to the police authorities to restore order and normalcy, the governor said, "Having undertaken this inspection and seeing the level of destruction, we will now move swiftly into action. The Inspector General of Police, (IGP), understanding the gravity of what has happened in Edo State, sent DIG Celestine Okoye to come and assist us in putting the situation under control."

 

"Our government will continue to support our people to have the right to express themselves legitimately. We don't have any problem with #ENDSARS protests but we are against hooliganism and brigandage.”

 

Controller of Correctional Services, Edo State Command, Babayo Maisanda, who took the governor and top security agencies round the damaged custodial centers, said the total number of escapees is 1818.

He said the number of recaptured and secured inmates is 163, noting that MSCC New (Oko) has 182 inmates, with 28 of them from Ogba Farm centre, while MSCC Benin (old) has 15 inmates.

 

“We were overwhelmed by these hoodlums who were armed. We heard of their coming and informed other security agencies to come to our aid but didn't see them. We were eventually overpowered,” he said.

 



Deputy Inspector General of Police Celestine Okoye, urged the people of Edo State to remain calm as the police are on top of the situation, as some arms have been recovered and 12 hoodlums arrested.

 

"We have recovered some of the arms and we are after the hoodlums and promise to arrest them. We have already arrested 12 of them. We are appealing to Edo people to calm down as we are doing our best to maintain law and order in the state."

 

The governor and his entourage also visited the MSCC New (Oko), MSCC Benin (Old), Idogbo Police Station, EDPA building, Emotan Gardens Estate, Upper Sokponba in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the count...
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s...
Read more

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF AN ENLARGED MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Image
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held an enlarged meeting at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge, Tatari Ali House, Asokoro on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows: 1. The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024. 2. The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state. 3. Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory...
Read more