Heavy Rain Causes Prison Break in Osun as Seven Inmates Escape After Wall Collapse

An overnight downpour on Tuesday triggered the collapse of an aging perimeter wall at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, allowing seven inmates to escape.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the breach occurred around 2:00 am due to structural failure during the storm. 

In a statement, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar said authorities have launched a manhunt to recapture the fugitives.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

He assured the public that the service is collaborating with other security agencies and local leaders to track down the escapees. 

“The NCoS has initiated an extensive search following the rainfall that compromised the facility’s security, leading to the escape of seven inmates,” the statement read.

“We are working with sister agencies and community stakeholders to ensure their swift recapture.” 

The public has been urged to provide any useful information by contacting nearby security offices or calling the following hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006. 

This incident underscores Nigeria’s persistent prison security challenges, worsened by the poor state of correctional facilities. Similar breaches have occurred in recent years due to extreme weather. 

In September 2024, flooding caused a perimeter wall collapse at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, freeing 281 inmates. Earlier, in April 2024, heavy rains destroyed part of the Suleja prison in Niger State, enabling 119 inmates to escape. These repeated failures highlight the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades in the country’s correctional system.