The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police said it had spread its dragnet to neighbouring Delta, Kogi and Ondo States in search of 12 inmates that escaped from the Oko Prison following attack on the facility on August 19, 2012.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Anthony Airhuoyo, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command.

He said that the Police is working in concert with the Nigeria Prison Service and other security agencies to rearrest the fleeing inmates which includes militants and a gay partner.

Our correspondents reports that the Police spokesman was shy away from attributing the bomb blast to militants with the aim to rescue other militants that were brought to the facility few weeks ago.

Airhuoyo however gave the identity of the gay partner as Osakpolor Idahosa while he partner, Chukudi Amamuzur who was arrested along with him remained in the facility.

According to the command spokesman, Idahosa and his partner have both spent almost four years in prison awaiting trial for homosexuality.

He gave the names of the militants to includes; Daniel Silva, Abel Johnson, Freedom Mathew, Ndidi Otas, Ada Boboweiri, Government Poyeri, Wisdom Pamoh, Sorewei Mathew, werinperi Odoko, Obua Peleteri and PraiseGod Frank.

“The fleeing inmates identities are known to us and we are working very hard to see that they are rearrested wherever they maybe.

“The issue of militancy is one that the federal government seriously frowned at and same goes for that of homosexuality.

“The fleeing militants were arrested in Bayelsa over destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region while the gay couple were arrested somewhere in Benin a couple of years ago.

The last known address of the gay partner was at Okpamen lane, Off Sapele Road in Benin.

“However, Nigerians should be rest assured that these fleeing inmates will be rearrest and made to face the wrath of the law.

“Similarly, for those responsible for the attack on Oko Prison, Police is on their trail, they will surely be caught and made to face consequences of their action,” he stated.

Airhuoyo however appealed to members of the public with useful information to avail the security agencies of such.

It would be recalled that heavily armed men had on that faithful night invaded the Oko Prison and freed 12 inmates in the process.

The daredevil gunmen attacked the prison gate, overpowered the prison Arms Squard with explosives, believed to be improvised.

The gunmen were said to have arrived in an unmarked Toyota Coaster vehicle.

The entire neighbourhood of the prison were woken up by heavy shootings and explosions which occurred at the early hours of Sunday forcing many families to abandon their homes.

Relatives and family members of inmates besieged the prison when the news spread around the State capital.

Edo State Controller of Prisons, Mr. Ewulo F. O. who confirmed the incident said that the incident was being investigated.