The Osun State Police Command has revealed that it is yet to receive any official communication regarding the escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State.

DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Spokesperson in Osun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that while they have received intelligence about the incident, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has not formally briefed them on the matter.

"We heard about the escape, but there is no official report made to the police by the NCoS. Our intelligence revealed to us that there was indeed an escape, but we don't know the cause because our men have gone there," Ojelabi stated.

According to reports, heavy rainfall around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday damaged the security perimeter of the facility, creating a breach in the structure that allowed the inmates to escape.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, confirmed the incident in a statement signed by Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer. The statement revealed that seven inmates went missing following the structural damage caused by the downpour.

Nwakuche has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and assured the public that efforts are underway to recapture the escapees.

"The service is working closely with sister security agencies as well as community leaders to recapture the escapees and bring them back to custody. However, the Service solicits the cooperation and support of the public in providing information that may lead to the recapture of the fleeing inmates," the NCoS statement read.

DSP Ojelabi emphasized that the police remain committed to their duty of protecting lives and property, stating, "Any criminal we see, we will apprehend."

Authorities have launched a manhunt to recapture the fugitives, with security agencies on high alert across the state.