In a shocking and unprecedented event, over 200 inmates have managed to escape from a prison in southeastern Nigeria after a sudden flood caused the collapse of the prison’s perimeter wall. The incident, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, has left authorities scrambling to locate and recapture the escaped prisoners.
The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall, quickly overpowered the prison’s infrastructure, resulting in the breach of the wall. Prison officials and emergency services rushed to the scene to assess the damage and begin the search for the missing inmates.
The prison, located in a rural area, houses approximately 500 inmates. It is unclear at this time how many of the remaining inmates have been accounted for. The Nigerian Correctional Service has promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape, with a view to preventing such incidents in the future.
Local residents and nearby communities have been urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The escapees are believed to be dangerous criminals, and recapturing them is a priority for the Nigerian government.
The escape has raised concerns about the state of infrastructure in Nigerian prisons, particularly in regions prone to flooding. The Nigerian Correctional Service has pledged to take immediate steps to reinforce prison walls and improve drainage systems to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The search for the escaped inmates is ongoing, with local law enforcement and the military assisting in the efforts. The Nigerian government has also sought assistance from neighboring countries to aid in the recapture of the fugitives.
This incident comes as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly in managing infrastructure and security in the face of natural disasters. The escape of over 200 inmates is a significant loss for the justice system and poses a threat to public safety.