175 inmates released in southern Nigeria jailbreak

AKURE, Nigeria, June 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 175 inmates were released on Sunday when unknown gunmen stormed the Olokuta Medium Security Prison in Akure, the capital of southwest Nigeria's Ondo State, according to sources and officials. State controller of prisons Tunde Olayiwola confirmed to Xinhua the jailbreak and the number of escapees, describing the incident as unusual at the facility, which is only a kilometer away from the headquarters of an Army Brigade. He said a prison official was injured during the attack and the victim is now receiving treatment at a government-run health facility in the state. "I am assuring that those behind the attack will be brought to justice, although we cannot specifically identify or suspect any group of persons for now," Olayiwola said, dispelling rumors that the attack was carried out by a militant sect known to have its base in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Another prison source who asked to remain anonymous shed more light on the incident, saying the gunmen gained entry into the prison by blowing off the wall leading to the inmates' cell. "The gunmen shot sporadically in the air," the source said further, adding a part of the prison was riddled with bullets. State police chief Patrick Dokumor, who was among early callers at the facility, led high-ranking government officials, including the Attorney General of Ondo State Eyitayo Jegede, to the attacked prison. "The incident has nothing to do with terrorism. I will like to implore the people of the state to continue with their normal duty and also assure that the police will continue to protect lives and properties," Dokumor said, adding investigation had commenced on the jailbreak. Culled from xinhuanet.