The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) has condemned an attack on a vehicle conveying inmates and personnel of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Port Harcourt, which led to the death of one person on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on Tuesday along Aba Road, in the Oil Mill Market area of Rivers State, while the vehicle was conveying the inmates and personnel to court.
In a statement on Wednesday, signed by JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer, the Service said it received the report of the fatal incident with deep concern.
How the incident happened
NCOS said preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle conveying the inmates and accompanying personnel encountered a traffic holdup, during which some individuals allegedly attacked the vehicle.
It said that, in an attempt to repel the attack and safeguard the inmates, members of the armed escort team reportedly fired warning shots into the air to scare the attackers away, resulting in the unfortunate fatal incident.
The Service expressed sympathy to the family of the victim and all those affected by the incident.
It said that while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence are ongoing, it strongly condemned the attack on the vehicles conveying inmates and personnel on legitimate national assignment.
“Such reckless conduct endangers lives, threatens public safety, and obstructs the lawful discharge of official responsibilities,” the statement said.
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Members of the public were therefore urged to exercise restraint, respect law enforcement operations, and refrain from any action capable of escalating the situation.
Investigation ongoing
The Service said the relevant security authorities are investigating the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and determine any culpability in accordance with the law.
It said it will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the matter is addressed through due process, confirming that all inmates involved in the movement were safely returned to the MSCC, Port Harcourt.
The Nigerian Correctional Service reassured the public of its commitment to the safe custody of inmates, the protection of its personnel, and the maintenance of public safety while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
