Nigeria prison attack: Over 1,800 prisoners freed in Owerri
Over 1,800 prisoners were released from prison in the Imo state of Nigeria on Monday in an attack by unknown gunmen. The Nigerian correctional services reported the information
It concerns the prison of Owerri, which was attacked at around 2.15 a.m. by “unidentified gunmen”. They forcibly freed 1,844 prisoners, said Francis Enobore, the spokesman for the prison services.
According to Enobore, the attackers gained access to the complex with explosives. They also carried assault rifles and engaged in a fierce firefight with security personnel.
Prison outbreaks occasionally happen in Nigerian prisons. Last October 1,993 detainees were able to escape after an attack on a prison in the city of Benin in the southwest of the country.
Imo state prisons spokesman James Madugba said the “situation is under control”. The neighboring state of Abia did announce a curfew from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. after the attack.
