The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a manhunt for seven inmates that escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, following the collapse of the prison’s aging perimeter wall.
The NCoS confirmed that the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. during intense rainfall, which caused a structural failure in the prison wall. The breach allowed seven inmates to flee the facility under the cover of darkness.
In a statement released by NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar, authorities announced the immediate launch of a manhunt to track down and return the escapees to custody.
Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an urgent investigation into the incident. He reassured the public that a coordinated effort involving security agencies and local community leaders is underway to recover the fugitives.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service has launched an expansive manhunt following the rainfall that breached the security of its facility at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, Osun State,” the statement read. “The force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours led to the escape of seven inmates. An immediate investigation has been ordered.”
NCoS is calling on the public to support the search by providing any useful information. Citizens are urged to contact nearby security agencies or use any of the following hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of prison escapes in Nigeria, often tied to poor infrastructure and vulnerability to natural disasters.
On September 9, 2024,a flood collapsed the perimeter wall of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, allowing 281 inmates to escape.
Om April 24, 2024, heavy rains led to a wall collapse at Suleja Prison in Niger State, resulting in the escape of 119 inmates.
Security analysts warn that the growing frequency of such incidents underscores the urgent need for infrastructural upgrades across the nation’s correctional system.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
