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A mass prison break unfolded on Wednesday near Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, after heavy rains damaged the Suleja prison facility. According to authorities, 118 inmates escaped, though 10 have since been recaptured.
A manhunt is now underway for the remaining escapees. While the identities of the fugitives remain unclear, there are concerns some may pose a threat to public safety.
The prison service released a statement assuring the public they are working with other security agencies to recapture the escapees. Ten inmates have already been apprehended, and authorities emphasize they are “in hot chase” for the rest.
The statement also highlighted the facility’s vulnerabilities. Built during the colonial era, the Suleja prison, located roughly 50km from Abuja, is among many aging and structurally weak institutions within Nigeria’s prison system.
Wednesday’s heavy downpour, coinciding with the start of the rainy season, is believed to have played a crucial role in the escape. This follows a recent heatwave and warnings from Nigeria’s meteorological agency of potential flooding in some areas.
This incident is not an isolated event. In 2022, over 400 inmates escaped during a raid on another Abuja prison, resulting in multiple casualties. Islamist militants claimed responsibility for the attack, which aimed to free their members.
Sadly, prison breaks are a recurring problem in Nigeria. Over 5,000 inmates have escaped since 2020. Overcrowding, lack of basic amenities, and lengthy pre-trial detentions plague the system. Some facilities report that up to 70% of their inmates haven’t even been convicted and are simply awaiting trial.
Authorities acknowledge these issues and claim to be working on solutions. However, this recent mass escape underscores the urgency for substantial reform within Nigeria’s prison system.
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