Massive Prison Break in Nigeria: Floods Aid Escape of 281 Inmates

In a startling turn of events, Nigerian authorities have reported the escape of nearly 300 prisoners from a correctional facility in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria. The incident occurred on Monday, September 16, when heavy rains caused severe flooding, leading to the collapse of the prison walls. According to Omar Abubakar, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Services, 281 inmates managed to flee during the chaos.

The flooding has not only affected the prison but has also caused significant damage to other institutions in the region. Health officials in Nigeria have reported that the floods have claimed at least 30 lives, impacted one million people, and displaced hundreds of residents in Maiduguri. The city had experienced intense rainfall in the early days of the previous week, exacerbating the situation.

Authorities have launched a manhunt to recapture the escaped prisoners, with seven already back in custody. This incident highlights the vulnerability of Nigeria’s infrastructure to extreme weather events and raises concerns about public safety in the aftermath of such a large-scale prison break.

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