Nigeria Prison

No fewer than 12 inmates were said to have escaped from the Oko Minimum Prison in Benin City, Edo State capital, Sunday in a jail break.

The escape, according to THISDAY investigation, was made possible when some gunmen invaded the prison gate with explosives believed to be bombs.

According to one of the residents of the area, the incident occurred at about 1: 30 a.m. when unknown gunmen attacked the prison with explosives and forced the prison gates open while shooting sporadically into the air during the operation.

When contacted on telephone, Edo State Controller of Prisons, Mr. Ewulo F. O, confirmed the incident but added that the incident was still under investigation.