In a harrowing incident, heavy rains in Suleja, a suburb of Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, caused the collapse of prison walls and buildings, leading to the escape of hundreds of prisoners. The catastrophe unfolded on Thursday (April 26), leaving the country reeling from the aftermath.

According to statements from the country's interior minister, the prison infrastructure sustained severe damage as a result of the torrential downpour. The breached walls allowed for the escape of at least 119 prisoners, exacerbating an already precarious situation.

Efforts to mitigate the crisis are underway, with authorities launching a widespread operation to locate and apprehend the escaped prisoners. Despite these efforts, only 10 individuals have been apprehended thus far, underscoring the challenges faced in restoring order and security.

The incident underscores the pressing issue of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons, a longstanding problem that has contributed to frequent occurrences of prison escapes. With the number of inmates exceeding capacity, maintaining adequate security measures becomes increasingly challenging, leaving the system vulnerable to such calamities.

As authorities continue their efforts to address the aftermath of the prison collapse and subsequent escape, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to bolster the country's prison infrastructure and ensure the safety and security of both inmates and the public alike.