The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Lagos State Command, has said 20 inmates were killed during the attack on the Ikoyi Custodial Centre during the #EndSARS protest of October 2020.

The spokesperson for the command, Olarotimi Oladokun, stated this on Thursday while reacting to the statement of a witness, Christian Akara, who testified before a coroner inquest on the matter.

Akara had said no fewer than 150 inmates were killed by an armed guard, adding that he joined in carrying the bodies.

But Oladokun, in a statement, said some invaders engaged security guards in a shootout, which led to 20 deaths.

He said, “The invaders, who came in large numbers, engaged the security guards in heavy exchange of fire, encouraging hardened inmates to set the facility on fire in an attempt to cause mass escape. Thankfully, what would have resulted in an unprecedented security breach in Lagos State was professionally rebuffed.

“Sadly, 20 inmates lost their lives while desperately trying to escape and eight correctional officers sustained various degrees of injury with some, life-threatening. In line with correctional service protocols, the respective stakeholders and next-of-kins of the deceased have been duly notified.”