Authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Edo State Command, have announced the escape of an awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas (28).

This was contained in a statement by the state command PRO, Aminu Suleman, dated October 21 and made available to journalists in Benin on Thursday.

According to the statement, the inmate escaped during an appearance in court last week for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Correctional Service, Edo State Command, hereby notifies the general public of the escape of an awaiting trial inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi.

“The incident occurred during his appearance in court for trial for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.

“The Service solicits the cooperation of the general public to recapture the fugitive. Anyone with useful information about his whereabouts should please contact the nearest Custodial Centre or Police Station, or call the following numbers: 08038075882, 08039243704.

“The Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command, assures the general public that no effort will be spared to recapture the fugitive, while security of all inmates in custody has been strengthened.”

However, an official of the NCC said the warden who took him and others to court could not pursue him to avoid other inmates from escaping, blaming the dearth of manpower for the escape.

The official said over 1,000 personnel of the NCC would be retiring this year without any plans to recruit new personnel.

“The warden couldn’t leave other inmates to pursue Osita as he will risk losing others. The dearth of manpower should be addressed now so that this kind of incident does not happen again,” the official added.