Notably, some Boko Haram commanders held at the Prison facility were among those who escaped.
Borno State, Nigeria – A devastating flood that ravaged Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has led to a massive prison break, with over 200 inmates escaping from the Maiduguri New Prison facility. The incident occurred on Tuesday, just four days after officials claimed to have taken comprehensive measures to prevent such a disaster.
According to an official of the Nigerian Correctional Center in Maiduguri, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the torrential rain caused a portion of the prison’s parameter fence to collapse, allowing some of the prisoners to escape. Notably, some Boko Haram commanders held at the facility were among those who escaped.
The official disclosed that more than 200 inmates escaped from the prison, while about 200 other inmates were relocated to a different facility. The incident has raised concerns about the security and management of the prison system in the state.
The flood situation in Maiduguri took a turn for the worse on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of residents stranded and causing widespread destruction and displacement. The disaster has also raised questions about the preparedness of the government and authorities to respond to such emergencies.
In response to inquiries about the incident, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, promised to provide information after taking stock of the situation across the country. He said he would be available to speak to the press within two hours.
The prison break is a major concern for authorities in Maiduguri, particularly in light of the ongoing security challenges in the region. The incident highlights the need for improved security measures and emergency preparedness plans in place to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.
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