The House of Representatives has condemned last Saturday’s attack on the medium Security Custodial Centre, Abolongo, Oyo town in Oyo State by gunmen leading to the escape of 837 inmates and the death of three persons.
The chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Mr Anayo Edwin, in a statement, commiserated with the families of security personnel, who lost their lives during the attack and reiterated calls for improved security at the various custodial centers, across the country.
According to the lawmaker, the latest attack, which is less than six weeks, after gunmen attacked the Kabba Custodial Centre killed two security personnel and freed about 240 inmates was worrisome.
Mr Edwin, who stated that the spate of attacks on custodial centers, in the country, and the escape of inmates serving various jail terms, is alarming, said efforts must be intensified to stop the ugly trend.
Consequently, the lawmaker said the Committee will meet urgently with the Nigerian Correctional Services, over the situation, as part of its efforts to improve the state of the custodial centers.
He observed that the escape of inmates from custodial centers has grave national security implications, especially as some of the escapees hardened criminals, who have either been convicted or awaiting trial.
Edwin, while calling on the security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest the 575 inmates of the Oyo custodial center, who are still at large, urged anyone with useful information that will lead to the arrest of the escapees to make the same available to the security agencies.