Over 100 prisoners escaped from a jail near Nigeria’s capital after heavy rain damaged part of the facility where they were housed.
Authorities reported that 118 inmates initially fled the Suleja Prison, but 10 have since been recaptured. A manhunt is underway to find the remaining escapees.
The identity of the escaped prisoners is unclear, raising concerns that some may be dangerous.
However, a statement from the prison reassured the public that they were collaborating with other security agencies. They advised people to continue their normal activities without fear.
“In conjunction with sister security agencies [we] have so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot chase to recapture the rest,” said a statement from Abuja’s prison authority.
It pointed out that many of the prison facilities in Suleja, about 50km (30 miles) from Abuja were built during the colonial era and therefore have become old and weak.
Wednesday’s heavy rain marked the onset of the rainy season after a recent period of intense heat in Nigeria.
The country’s meteorological agency had issued a warning of heavy rains and potential flooding in certain states.
Two years ago, over 400 prisoners escaped during a raid on another prison in Abuja. The attack resulted in the death of four inmates, a security guard, and several attackers, according to officials. The assailants, who claimed to be Islamist fighters, said they conducted the raid to free their members.
Since 2020, more than 5,000 inmates have escaped during prison breaks in Nigeria.