The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that 281 inmates are missing following the flood in Borno State.
Recall that it was reported that scores of inmates escaped from the Maiduguri correctional facility on Tuesday following the flood that damaged the building.
The floods, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, after heavy rainfall, have submerged large parts of the city, displacing over a million people and resulting in at least 30 deaths.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been actively involved in rescue operations, saving over 400 individuals trapped by the floodwaters.
Spokesman of NCoS, Umar Abubakar in a statement on Sunday in Abuja confirmed that 281 inmates escaped from the facility over the flood incident.
He noted that the service was in custody of the details of the missing inmates, including their biometrics.
He said, “The flood brought down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the medium security custodial centre Maiduguri (MSCC) as well as the staff quarters in the City.
“Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing.
“However, it is important to note that the service is in custody of their details, including their biometrics, which is being made available to the public.
“The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.
“Presently, a total of seven (7) inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.
“While this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety.”
Meanwhile, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated the sum of N100 million to assist the victims of the recent flood.
Abubakar’s donation was made known in a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Sunday.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, in his visit, also paid a courtesy visit to the state governor, Prof Babagana Zulum at the Government House, where the donation to the flood relief fund was announced.
The statement partly read, “The Waziri’s generous gesture is a testament to his unwavering dedication to humanitarian efforts,” adding that the former VP also “called upon his network of friends and associates to contribute further to the relief efforts.
“This gesture mirrors Atiku Abubakar’s previous humanitarian initiatives, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he mobilised support from his circle to address urgent needs.”
Upon his arrival at Maiduguri airport, Atiku was received by the Senators representing Borno North and Borno Central, Mohammed Monguno and Kaka Lawan, respectively.
In his remark, the governor appreciated the kind gesture of the PDP chieftain, saying, “The people of Borno deeply appreciate this show of solidarity.”
