The Kwara State Correctional Service has reacted to the auto crash which occurred in Ilorin, the state capital, on Thursday morning while one of its vans was conveying inmates on trial to the court.

The accident which occurred at the ‘C’ Police Division, Oja-Oba roundabout of Ilorin, at about 09:14 am, reportedly claimed some lives after the van crushed Okada riders.

The correctional service van reportedly crashed while driving on the wrong side of a lane.

At the time of filing this report, the Okada riders who sustained severe injuries in the accident were still receiving treatment in the hospital where they had been admitted.

Spokesman of the zonal Okada riders in Ilorin, Abdulakeem Suleiman, in his reaction to the incident, urged the state government to ensure justice for their members.

He said those crushed in the accident, were out in search of their means of livelihood to cater for their families.

Abdulakeem, also appealed to the authorities of the correctional service to intervene in the matter and ensure justice is served.

However, in a swift reaction, the Public Relations Officer of the state correctional service, Adegbulugbe Phillip Olumide, in a statement alleged that “suspected hoodlums attempted to free inmates” during their movement to the court.

According to the statement: “Today, 19th of October 2023, at about 09:14 am, some hoodlums in a premeditated move at Oja Oba roundabout, boisterously made a tumultuous attempt and broke into the convoy of the correctional service vehicles conveying high profile inmates, which included, AbdulAzeez Adegbola (Tani Olohun) to the court.

”This resulted in a pandemonium which saw the correctional vehicle damaged, shattered and battered. These obviously led to injuries sustained by both Okada riders and some of the custodial personnel. Two of the custodial vehicles which managed to secure their passage was again waylaid and attacked at Niger Road Junction. The personnel of the correctional service were able to manoeuvre their way to the court.

“However, those who sustained injuries have been moved to the hospital for medical attention and are responding to treatment. No life was lost so far.”