Gunmen attack Prison officials at court premises, free 6 inmates

Six inmates have been forcefully freed by unknown gunmen after attacking a convoy of Correctional Service officials in a High Court in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The inmates were taken to court for trial.

According to ExpressDay findings, the convoy was carrying 10 suspects charged with different crimes ranging from murder, kidnapping, rape, among others.

Sources disclosed that on arrival at the Court premises, the criminals who had already position themselves at the court entrance opened fire at the convoy, releasing the suspects without any confrontation.

Confirming the incident, Spokesperson of Nigeria Correctional Service, ASC Martha Banda, revealed that: “On July 23, 2020, at about 10:01hours at the High Court, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, some unknown gunmen attacked the court with sporadic gunshots and aided the escape of six inmates out of ten brought from Jos custodial centre for trial.

“The inmates were brought in a green Maria escorted by five officials of the Correctional Service about 09:55hours, the gate was immediately opened and as soon as they entered the court premises the gate was locked.

“In the process of unhandcuffing them, the attackers opened fire leading to the escape of 6 inmates while Correctional Officials were able to prevent the escape of the remaining 4 inmates.
There was no casualty or injured persons.”

The spokesperson further explained that the Correctional Service and other security agencies are working in synergy to apprehend the escapees and their masterminds.

She gave the names of the inmates who escaped to include Umar Adamu, Yusuf Adamu, Musa Abdulkasir, Mohammed Ibrahim , Basir Mohammed and Shuaibi Ado.

Also, when contacted, Spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, ASP Ubah Ogaba, confirmed the incident.

“Yes its true, in fact the State Commissioner of Police, Edward Egbuka has visited the scene of the incident .

Ogaba maintained that investigation is ongoing, and the Police is out to ensure that the culprits are arrested.