Jailbreak in Enugu, 19 inmates escape

No fewer than 19 inmates reportedly escaped from Nsukka Prisons in Enugu State yesterday.

The Guardian gathered that they had on Tuesday night broken down their cells, scaled over the perimeter fence and disappeared into nearby bushes before resumption of prison officials.

Sources said the authorities were later to be alerted by residents who raised the alarm over the unusual movement in the neighbourhood.

They were reported to have swiftly formed barricades around the exit points, thereby checkmating more escapees.

According to a resident: “One thing I observed was that some of them removed their green clothes immediately after they scaled the wall and fled.”

The facility’s controller, Lawrence Okonkwo, said: “Yes there was a jailbreak last night in Nsukka Prisons but I am not in a position to say how many prisoners escaped.

“We are expecting the Enugu State Prisons Controller, Mr. Isaiah Amariri, in Nsukka so that we brief him on what happened last night.

“He will be the one to tell the public the number of inmates that escaped, the re-arrested ones and efforts put in place to arrest those still on the run.”

It was, however, gathered yesterday that six of the inmates had been re-arrested, just as Amariri was in Nsukka holding meetings.

Officials are combing parts of the town for fleeing prisoners.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, also told The Guardian that his men had been dispatched to assist in the exercise.