Over 270 inmates of the Maiduguri medium security correctional centre have escaped from custody in the wake of the floods that devastated the Borno State capitol and environs.
The floods caused by heavy rains and the subsequent collapse of the Alau dam have left Maiduguri almost submerged as the State government scramble to provide relief materials.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said the walls of the medium security prison caved in and a good number of the inmates including terror suspects escaped during the “evacuation to a safe and secure facility”.
The government and it’s security agencies have now launch a hunt for the fleeing escapees whose photos have been publicised.
Meanwhile, Senator representing Borno South Ali Ndume has urged the Federal government to declare the flooding a national disaster zone.
“The Alau Dam collapse is not just a Borno issue, but a national disaster. I have never seen this kind of overwhelming disaster,” said Senator Ndume.
“I think it will be a herculean task in a couple of days and even weeks for this situation to return to normal. Most houses would not survive because they had been submerged, and the foundations had weakened.
“I am calling on all corporate Nigerians to rise up and support because the government cannot do it alone. We really need to help make sure that people do not continue to suffer. Some of them have been in their houses for the last six days.”
