Two Die As Prison Officials, Hoodlums Clash in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the death of two persons following a clash between some hoodlums and officials of the Nigerian Prison Service in the Sokoto metropolis.

The police spokesperson, Cordelia Nwawe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, told Northern City News that a group of miscreants attacked a prison van conveying some awaiting-trial inmates to a court.

Nwawe said the hoodlums, however, succeeded in stopping the vehicle on Sultan Abubakar Road, and attempted to set the inmates free.

She said two of the hoodlums lost their lives while one sustained injury, adding that some weapons were recovered from the scene.

The PPRO added that a Deputy Commissioner of Police was detailed by the Commissioner of Police in the state to investigate the matter and the command would provide more details on the incident.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Prison Service in Sokoto, Umar Faruk, said the inmates were successfully taken back to the prison custody.

He said, “The 18 inmates awaiting trial were successfully escorted back to safe custody in the prison and security has been beefed up in and around the facility.”

He added that the command appreciated the continued support from sister security agencies in the state and assured the public of adequate safety.