Over 100 prisoners have escaped from a jail near Nigeria’s capital due to heavy rain damaging part of the facility. Authorities report that 118 inmates initially fled Suleja Prison, with 10 later recaptured.
A manhunt is underway to find the others, whose identities remain unclear, raising concerns about potential danger.
Despite the incident, the prison reassured the public, stating they are collaborating with security agencies and urging normal activities to continue without fear.
The prison’s statement highlighted the aging infrastructure of many facilities in Suleja, built during the colonial era and weakened over time.
The heavy rain coincides with the onset of the rainy season following a recent heatwave. Nigeria’s meteorological agency has issued warnings of heavy rains and flooding in some states.
This incident echoes a similar escape two years ago when over 400 prisoners fled following a raid on another prison in Abuja.
Islamist fighters claimed responsibility for the attack, resulting in casualties among inmates, security guards, and attackers.
Since 2020, more than 5,000 inmates have escaped during prison breaks in Nigeria, revealing systemic challenges such as overcrowding and lack of basic amenities.
Additionally, many inmates languish in pre-trial detention for years, with some prisons reporting up to 70% of inmates awaiting trial.
Source – bbc.com
