Maiduguri flood: Panic as NCoS declares 281 inmates missing, recaptures 7

AHMED MARI, Maiduguri

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared 281 inmates missing after the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO,  Mr. Abubakar Umar on Sunday in Abuja.

The NCoS also said that seven other inmates had been recaptured.

Umar said that the service was in the custody of the details of the missing inmates, including their biometrics.

“The flood brought down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the medium security custodial centre Maiduguri (MSCC) as well as the staff quarters in the City.

“Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing.

“However, it is important to note that the service is in the custody of their details, including their biometrics, which is being made available to the public.

“The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.

“Presently, a total of seven (7) inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on the ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.

“While this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Vice President and the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has urged the government to investigate the remote causes of the recent Maiduguri flood disaster that claimed some lives and property worth billions of naira to avert future recurrence.

Addressing journalists shortly after he paid a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri on Sunday, over the recent flood that ravaged Maiduguri, the Borno state capital he said “The causes of the flood must be investigated with a view to providing remedial measures to avoid future occurrence”.

Atiku also donated the sum of N100 million to the victims of the flood and prayed that God would grant the souls of those who lost their lives, eternal life.

“You can see the topography of Maiduguri the state capital is swampy, I think a study needs to be carried out to determine the remote causes to avoid future occurrence”, Atiku said.

While commiserating with Prof. Zulum he said “I am here to commiserate with you and the good people of Borno state over the unfortunate flood disaster that resulted in the death of many lives and property worth millions of naira destroyed.”

The former Vice President said “What affects Borno affects me. This is a monumental disaster that was never witnessed in the state before. Many lives were lost.I want to let know, that we are with you, you are not alone in the rebuilding of Borno”.

“As part of my contributions to the rebuilding process I want to announce my own donation of N100 million”, he added.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and granted them eternal lives, adding that the grief of the people of Borno is his grief.

Responding on behalf of the government and people of the state, Prof Zulum thanked the former Vice President for the sympathy visit over the recent flood and the donation. “The people of Borno deeply appreciate this show of solidarity,” he added.

Recall that the Maiduguri flood, which has displaced an estimated 500,000 individuals and wrought widespread destruction, represents an acute humanitarian emergency in the country.

In addition to his donation, Atiku has called upon his network of friends and associates to contribute further to the relief efforts.

This latest gesture mirrors Atiku Abubakar’s previous humanitarian initiatives, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he mobilized support from his circle to address urgent needs.

Upon his arrival at Maiduguri airport, Atiku, accompanied by family and close associates, was received with warmth by Senator Mohammed. Tahir Monguno (SAN) represents Borno North and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN) represents Borno Central.

His visit continued with a significant courtesy call to Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House, where the donation to the flood relief fund was announced.

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