At least 118 inmates have escaped from a medium-security prison in Central Nigeria in Suleja, near the country’s capital, Abuja, following heavy rains on Wednesday night that brought down the perimeter wall of the facility.
The intense downpour, lasting several hours, also damaged other parts of the prison and adjacent properties.
By Thursday midday, warders and other security agencies had only managed to recapture 10 escapees. A manhunt for the remaining escapees is underway, although no details on their identities have been provided.
A statement from the prison said they were working with other security agencies and that people should go about their normal activities without any 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.
