|
LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Early last week, devastating floods wreaked havoc in Maiduguri, the capital of northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State, leading to the collapse of prison walls and the escape of 281 inmates. The Nigeria Correctional Services confirmed the incident in a statement released Sunday, September 15, 2024.
The unprecedented floods, which have been described as the worst in decades, were triggered by heavy rains that caused a dam to overflow, severely impacting Maiduguri and surrounding areas. Among the casualties of the disaster were several critical facilities, including the Medium Security Custodial Centre, whose walls crumbled under the force of the floodwaters, providing an opportunity for the prisoners to flee. The correctional staff quarters were also affected.
According to Umar Abubakar, spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Services, security operations were immediately launched to recapture the escaped inmates. So far, seven prisoners have been apprehended, while efforts to locate the remaining escapees are still ongoing.
The floods have caused widespread destruction across the region, claiming at least 30 lives, according to the country’s emergency management agency. In addition to the human toll, the floods decimated a state-owned zoo, releasing dangerous animals, including crocodiles and snakes, into already submerged communities. The natural disaster has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, forcing many into overcrowded camps for the internally displaced.
This catastrophe has affected nearly a million residents, further straining the resources of an already fragile region. The local government, along with humanitarian agencies, is working to provide relief to those affected, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.