Jailbreak was averted on Friday evening at Eket Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom State Command as some warders and inmates of the centre clashed following the death of an inmate.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that one inmate of the centre was allegedly beaten to death by a warder and on hearing this, other inmates protested that the deputy controller in the centre must go.
An eyewitness said in the ensuing confrontation, the inmates destroyed “Clinic facilities, kitchen, stores, pantry and other facilities,” estimated at millions of naira.
According to the source, three inmates who tried to escape were injured and apprehended by the warders and one was shot on the legs, one shot on the head with injuries on his hand.
However, Mr. Alex Oditah, the Controller, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) in Akwa Ibom State Command, who confirmed the death of the inmate to NAN on Saturday revealed “Preliminary investigation has revealed that the inmate died of difficulty in breathing.
“Due to the incident, inmates in the Correctional centre reacted over the death of their colleague, but the warders on duty were able to control them,” Oditah said.
The controller debunked the rumour that the death of the inmate was caused by the warders on duty.
Confirming the incident further, ASC. Ogbajie Ogbajie, Command Public Relations Officer, said “On Friday at about 2000hrs, the Controller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State Command, Alex Oditah got a report of the unfortunate death of an awaiting trial inmate. The incident was said to have happened while conveying the inmate to the hospital for treatment.”
In a press release entitled ATTEMPTED RIOT AT EKET CUSTODIAL CENTRE, Ogbaje who signed for the Controller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State Command, noted “According to the preliminary Medical report, the inmate died from difficulties in breathing as a result of cardiac arrest.
“However, the fellow inmates in expressing their grief, transferred the aggression on the staff members on duty, though no one was injured in the fracas and the incident has been brought under control.”
“The State Controller wishes to express his sincere condolences to the deceased family while assuring the general public that the health and well-being of all the inmates and staff in his Command remain his irrevocable commitment,” the release added.
