Hundreds of inmates have escaped from a prison after severe floods caused extensive damage, including the collapse of the prison’s perimeter walls. The incident occurred at Maiduguri following days of torrential rain that overwhelmed local infrastructure, leaving the facility vulnerable to the rising waters.
According to local authorities, the extreme weather conditions triggered a collapse of the prison’s structural defenses, allowing prisoners to flee as chaos erupted within the compound. Emergency response teams were dispatched immediately to assess the damage and track down the escaped convicts, but efforts have been hampered by the ongoing flooding and dangerous conditions.
The situation is critical. The floodwaters have not only compromised the prison’s security but also displaced hundreds of people in nearby communities, said a spokesperson for the emergency management agency. We are doing everything in our power to bring the situation under control and recapture the escaped inmates.
Officials have yet to confirm the exact number of inmates who escaped, but early estimates suggest it could be several hundred. Many of the prisoners were serving sentences for serious offenses, raising concerns about public safety.
Local law enforcement agencies, aided by the military, have launched a widespread manhunt, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. We are calling on residents to avoid taking any action themselves and to alert authorities if they have any information on the whereabouts of the escapees, police advised in a public statement.
Meanwhile, the floods have caused widespread devastation across the region, displacing thousands of people and leaving several areas submerged. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities struggling to provide immediate relief to affected communities while simultaneously managing the fallout from the prison escape.
The full scale of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate that many buildings, roads, and critical infrastructure have been severely affected. The government is expected to declare a state of emergency as efforts to restore order and capture the escaped inmates continue. This event serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of natural disasters and their ability to disrupt essential services, including prison security.
Ennywealth
