A torrential downpour in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, led to the escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after part of the facility’s perimeter fence collapsed.
According to The PUNCH, the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed the incident in a statement, attributing the jailbreak to structural damage caused by the storm, which occurred around 2:00 a.m.
“The heavy rainfall caused a section of the old perimeter wall to give way, creating an opportunity for the inmates to escape,” said Umar Abubakar, the spokesperson for the NCoS.
In response, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
“We have launched a full-scale manhunt to locate and return the escapees to custody,” Nwakuche said. “Our officers are working in collaboration with other security agencies and community leaders to ensure they are apprehended swiftly.”
The NCoS has appealed to the public for assistance in locating the fugitives, urging anyone with useful information to contact the nearest security post or reach out via dedicated hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.
The jailbreak in Ilesa adds to a growing list of similar incidents in Nigeria linked to failing infrastructure in correctional facilities. In April 2024, 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja prison in Niger State following heavy rains. A similar breach occurred in September 2024 at the Maiduguri custodial centre, where flooding led to the escape of 281 inmates.
“These recurring incidents highlight the urgent need for infrastructure overhaul in our correctional facilities, especially in the face of increasing environmental challenges,” Abubakar added.
The NCoS reassured the public that all efforts are being made to address the breach and prevent future occurrences.