Over 100 Inmates Escape Suleja Prison Near Nigeria’s Capital Amidst Heavy Rainfall
Following extensive damage caused by heavy rain to part of the Suleja Prison facility near Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, more than 100 prisoners have fled custody.
Initially, 118 inmates escaped, but authorities have managed to re-capture 10 individuals, sparking a widespread manhunt for the remaining escapees.
While the identities of the fugitives remain unknown, concerns linger over the potential presence of dangerous individuals among them.
Despite the incident, authorities assure the public of collaborative efforts with security agencies to ensure safety, urging citizens to continue with their daily routines without fear.
The statement from Abuja’s prison authority underscores the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, particularly highlighting the antiquated state of many prison facilities in Suleja, a region situated approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Abuja, originally constructed during the colonial era.
This recent escape echoes a similar event two years prior, where over 400 prisoners broke free following an attack on another prison in Abuja. Tragically, fatalities occurred during the assault, including four inmates, a security guard, and multiple assailants. The attackers, claiming affiliation with Islamist groups, sought to liberate incarcerated members.
Since 2020, Nigeria has witnessed numerous prison breaks, resulting in the escape of over 5,000 inmates, highlighting ongoing challenges within the country’s penal system.