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129 killed as inmates attempt jailbreak in Congo

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At least 129 people have been killed in an attempted jailbreak from the Makala Central Prison in Congo.

Gunfire reportedly began from inside the prison at around midnight on Sunday into Monday morning.

Videos circulating online show bodies lying on the floor, many of them with visible injuries.

Other videos also show inmates carrying people, who appeared to be dead, into a vehicle.

There are reports that most died from a stampede.

Announcing the number of casualties in a statement on X, Jacquemin Shabani, Congolese interior minister, said the escape attempt led to deaths and significant material damage.

He added that apart from those killed, 59 were injured and taken into care by the government, while some women were raped.

“On the instructions of the High Hierarchy, I have called a crisis meeting with the heads of the defense and security services,” the statement reads.

“The provisional toll is 129 dead, including 24 by gunfire, after warning, the other victims having died by jostling or suffocation.

“The administrative buildings, the registry, the infirmary, and the food depots were destroyed by fire.

“The Government is pleased with the return to calm, deplores these tragic events, and offers its condolences to the families of the victims.

“Investigations are continuing and the public will be informed.”

Makala is Congo’s largest penitentiary. The facility has recorded previous jailbreaks, including in 2017 when an attack by a religious sect freed dozens.

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FG declares holidays for Christmas, New Year

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The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, December 25; Thursday, December 26; and Wednesday, January 1, 2025 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, on Monday.

Tunji-Ojo extended greetings to Nigerians, encouraging citizens to embrace the season’s values of love, peace, and unity.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He further emphasised the need for Nigerians to strengthen familial and community bonds, fostering harmony that contributes to national development.

Reassuring Nigerians of the government’s dedication, Tunji-Ojo stated, “The Federal Government is committed to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.”

He expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would drive the country toward a more prosperous 2025.

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IGP directs FCID to take over investigation of Jimoh Abdulqaudri’s death in Police custody

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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, made an unscheduled visit to Ilorin, Kwara State, on Sunday and directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the investigation into the death of Jimoh Abdulqaudri, who reportedly died in police detention on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Jimoh, who had been arrested over a debt of N220,000 owed to his employer, Mr. Peter, was allegedly tortured to death by some police officers at the Kwara State Command. The police initially informed the family that he had hung himself in the cell.

While addressing Balogun Fulani, the traditional ruler of the community, IGP Egbetokun urged the people, particularly the youth, not to take the law into their own hands. He assured the community that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that justice would be served.

“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to investigate this matter thoroughly. We will get to the root of this incident and make the findings public,” Egbetokun said. “I ask for calm and caution, as we await the outcome of the investigation. I am already forming my opinion, but I will not conclude until the investigation is complete.”

The IGP also stated that “very competent detectives” had taken over the investigation, expressing confidence that the truth about Jimoh’s death would be revealed.

In his comments, IGP Egbetokun assured the deceased’s family of the police’s support, saying, “We will support the family in any way we can. If there is anything we can do to ease their pain during this difficult time, they should reach out to us.”

Various community leaders, including Balogun Fulani, youth representatives, and the Ilorin Descendants Union, demanded justice for Jimoh’s death.

Jimoh’s family, including his elder brother Ismail and his mother, Mrs. Adijat Moriyike, told the IGP that the deceased had been tortured by the police. They claimed that police operatives had beaten him with a hard object, causing his nose to bleed, and later falsely reported that he had committed suicide.

“My brother was arrested over a debt of N220,000, and we were in the process of settling it,” his elder brother explained. “He was arrested with his phone and N350,000. We were called around midnight on December 20 to bail him, but when we arrived at the police headquarters, we were told he had been taken to the hospital. At the General Hospital mortuary, we saw his body covered in blood. They claimed he hanged himself, but my brother was tall and couldn’t have done that in the cell.”

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IGP Never Ordered Beating, Attacks On Policemen During Stop And Search. It Is A Lie – FPRO

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The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones.

This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers. Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels. This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.

Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram. Citizens can also contact us by mail through; pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng

Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant against misinformation and verify information through credible sources. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a cooperative and trustful relationship between the police and the communities they serve.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
FPRO, ABUJA.
22ND DECEMBER 2024.

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