Gunmen invade Oyo prison, free inmates

Unknown gunmen have attacked the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abolongo area of Oyo State, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

An unconfirmed number of inmates were reportedly to have escaped from the correctional facility during the attack which occurred at about 10pm on Friday, in Oyo town.

A signpost of the custodial centre that was attacked by gunmen in Oyo town.

Confirming the attacks, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Olanrewaju Anjorin, explained that the gunmen arrived in Abolongo in large numbers and use explosives to gain access into the prison.

Anjorin confirmed that several suspected criminals awaiting trial were freed during the attack.

The assailants destroyed some items at the facility.

He said NCoS authorities in the state swiftly mobilised support from other security agencies to trail the attackers and inmates, who are currently on the run.

Although, Anjorin could not ascertain if there was any casualty in the attack, he, however stated that investigations were ongoing.

It was also learnt that some of the fleeing inmates returned voluntarily, others were recaptured, while many are still on the run.