From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
There is palpable fear and security threat in Kogi as bandits, including a soldier detained for refusing to fight Boko Haram in Borno State, have escaped from army custody at Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, Kogi State.
The soldier was said to have been moved from Maiduguri to Lokoja when he resisted fighting Boko Haram insurgents and detained alongside three suspected bandits.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Sunday night when Lokoja witnessed its first rain in the year.
A source in the Nigerian Army, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the army has intensified effort to recapture the escaped bandits and the soldier.
“The Army is making frantic effort to arrest the four suspects. From what we learnt, the soldier was seen with a rifle as he aided the escape of the three bandits.
“He has been in our cell here, waiting for when he will be tried. Unfortunately, when it rained heavily on Sunday, the soldier used the opportunity to escape when officers on duty were asleep. As I speak to you, the army has mounted surveillance in every entry and exit point of Kogi State to ensure the escapees are re-arrested.”
The Public Relations Officer, Command Army Record, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, Kogi State, Lieutenant David Adewusi, however, denied knowledge of the escape.
“I have no comment to make as I am not aware of anything like that,” he said.