BREAKING NEWS: 119 Inmates Escape Prison As Rainstorm Destroys Suleja Correctional Centre Fence
Suleja, Niger State - April 25, 2024 - A dramatic escape unfolded yesterday evening at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, after a powerful rainstorm wreaked havoc on the facility. According to a statement released this morning by the Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, AS Duza, a total of 119 inmates escaped during the chaos.
The storm, which began late Wednesday night and lasted for several hours, caused significant damage to the correctional center and surrounding buildings. Crucially, a section of the perimeter fence was compromised, creating an opportunity for the escape.
"A heavy downpour… has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, Niger State… destroying a part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of a total of one hundred and nineteen (119) inmates of the facility," Duza stated.
However, authorities are actively working to recapture the escapees. "The Service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies have so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them back into custody," Duza confirmed. "We are in hot chase to recapture the rest."
The incident raises concerns about the condition of correctional facilities in Nigeria. Duza acknowledged that the Suleja center is an aging structure, built during the colonial era. "This is evidenced in the ongoing construction of six (6) number of 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria as well as the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of existing ones," he said.
Local residents corroborated the damage caused by the storm. Babangida Turaki, a resident of Suleja town, told reporters that the heavy rains had brought down a section of the fence that was already undergoing repairs.
"The rains had knocked down a section of the fence that was being repaired," Turaki explained. He added that a combined security team had been dispatched to key locations and "black areas" in Suleja to apprehend the remaining escapees.
While the search continues, normalcy is gradually returning to Suleja. This incident comes amidst ongoing efforts by the federal government to address overcrowding in Nigerian prisons. In November 2023, plans were announced to release 4,068 detainees across the country. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, aims to provide relief for impoverished offenders who cannot afford to pay fines.
The Aftermath and Remaining Questions
The escape has sparked a number of questions. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the classification of the escaped inmates or whether they pose a threat to the public. It's also unclear if any security protocols were breached during the storm.
The incident is likely to prompt a thorough investigation into the security lapses at the Suleja facility and potentially other correctional centers across the country. The condition of aging infrastructure, combined with potential overcrowding, raises concerns about the ability of these facilities to adequately contain inmates.
Community Cooperation and Safety Measures
Authorities are urging the public to play a role in the recapture effort. Duza appealed to residents to report "any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency." Residents should remain vigilant and avoid confronting any escaped inmates themselves.
Addressing Prison Overcrowding and Infrastructure Concerns
The escape in Suleja highlights the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach to address issues within the Nigerian correctional system. Modernization of facilities, improved maintenance, and continued efforts to decongest prisons are all crucial steps. Additionally, ensuring proper staffing and training for correctional officers is essential for maintaining security and preventing future incidents.
This dramatic escape serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Nigerian correctional system. As the search for the remaining inmates continues, authorities must work diligently to ensure public safety and implement reforms that will strengthen the system moving forward.
