There was apprehension among residents of Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory following repeated sounds of gunshots heard in the area.

There were fears among residents that the correctional center was under attack by armed men.

A resident of the area, Joshua Friday, told correspondent that the shootings went on for about 20 minutes.

He said the situation caused panic in the area.

He said, “Currently in Kuje and the shooting has been going on for almost 20 minutes now. I can’t tell you what is happening whether it is a robbery or not but we have been hearing that gunshots repeatedly around the area the prison is located. We are all scared as I speak to you.”

When contacted, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar asked correspondent to call him back.

Efforts to get the police spokesperson in the FCT, Josephine Adeh, proved abortive as calls to her line were not answered. She has also not responded to messages sent to her.