274 Inmates Escape Nigerian Prison Amid Devastating Floods
Heavy flooding in Borno state, Nigeria, has resulted in the escape of at least 274 inmates from a prison, CNN reports, citing the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The incident occurred after floodwaters breached the walls of the Maiduguri Medium Security Custodial Center (MSCC), creating an opportunity for the inmates to flee.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) spokesman, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the escape, stating that the floodwaters had compromised the facility’s security, causing damage to the walls and staff quarters. He further explained that 281 inmates initially escaped while being transferred to a safer location, but seven were subsequently recaptured.
The NCS is currently conducting a search for the remaining escapees, with their identities and biometrics made available to the public.
These incidents come amid widespread flooding across Nigeria, which has claimed 229 lives and displaced over 386,000 people, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Northern Nigeria, including Borno state, has been particularly affected by the floods.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had previously warned of rising water levels in the Niger River, urging states to prepare for potential flooding.
Experts attribute the increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events in Africa, including Nigeria, to climate change. Projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicate that these events are likely to become more common as global temperatures rise due to human activity.
The recent flooding has also caused widespread destruction, as evidenced by a dam overflowing in northern Nigeria last Wednesday. The floodwaters submerged a zoo, releasing crocodiles and snakes into nearby communities.
