A catastrophic prison break has occurred in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, as severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall compromised the structural integrity of the correctional facility.
Nearly 300 inmates managed to escape through the damaged walls of the prison, which was inundated by the overflow of a nearby dam.
The flood has wreaked havoc on the city, with the state-owned zoo being among the hardest-hit areas. The rising waters have allowed dangerous animals like crocodiles and snakes to escape their enclosures, posing a serious threat to the public.
The disaster has had a devastating impact on the region, affecting over a million people in Borno state. Hundreds of thousands of residents have been displaced, and at least 30 lives have been lost.
Rescue and relief efforts are underway to provide urgent assistance to those affected.
Authorities have recaptured seven of the escaped inmates, but the majority remain at large. A massive manhunt is underway to apprehend them and prevent any further security threats.
As the situation continues to evolve, local officials and emergency responders are working tirelessly to restore critical infrastructure and services.
They are also focusing on implementing measures to prevent future escapes from the compromised correctional facility.
The full extent of the damage and the long-term impact of this disaster are still being assessed. It is clear, however, that the flooding has created a significant humanitarian crisis that will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address.
