Toyyibat Qasim
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that its armed escorts fired warning shots during an alleged attack on a vehicle conveying inmates and correctional officers to court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, an incident that left one person dead.
The incident occurred on Tuesday along Aba Road, around the Oil Mill Market area of the state, after the vehicle conveying inmates from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port Harcourt, reportedly encountered a traffic holdup.
The service said some individuals allegedly attacked the vehicle during the traffic congestion, prompting the armed escort team to fire shots into the air in an attempt to repel the attackers and protect the inmates.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including how the shooting resulted in the death, remain subject to investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, the NCoS said preliminary reports indicated that the vehicle came under attack while personnel were performing their official duties.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle conveying the inmates and accompanying personnel encountered a traffic holdup, during which some individuals allegedly attacked the vehicle,” the statement said.
It added, “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 deceased and others affected by the incident, while condemning the alleged attack on the vehicle conveying inmates and correctional officers.
It warned that attacks on correctional vehicles could endanger lives, threaten public safety and disrupt the lawful discharge of official responsibilities.
“Such reckless conduct endangers lives, threatens public safety, and obstructs the lawful discharge of official responsibilities,” the statement added.
The NCoS urged residents to exercise restraint, respect security operations and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or putting lives at risk.
The service, however, said relevant security authorities were investigating the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and determine responsibility in accordance with the law.
It assured the public that it would cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure that the matter was addressed through due process.
“The Service will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the matter is addressed through due process,” the statement said.
The NCoS confirmed that all the inmates involved in the movement were safely returned to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Port Harcourt after the incident.
It appealed to residents to remain calm while the investigation continues, reiterating its commitment to the safe custody of inmates, the protection of correctional personnel and the maintenance of public safety.
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