Several inmates were Thursday feared dead as many sustained bullet wound injuries following a foiled jail break in Abakaliki federal prison, Ebonyi state.
But unconfirmed sources said more than 14 persons were killed including one prison officers as those injured and killed had been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, FETHA, for medical attention.
It was learnt that the trouble started when prisoners early morning of Thursday revolted against the poor treatment, especially inadequate feeding that has been persistence in the prison for a long time.
Sources further revealed that the angry inmates started rioting inside the prison and used every object within their reach to attack prison officers and consequently injured many.
Also, that two of the prison officers wounded during the incident had been hospitalized.
The Prison Officers, it was learned, returned fire for fire which resulted in the killing of several inmates and many others sustained gunshot.
It was gathered that, If not for the rapid response of the combined team of the Prison officers, Nigeria police and Army drafted to the scene, the inmates had started escaping from the prison having over-powered the guards.
As at press time, soldiers and policemen had already cordoned off all roads leading to the Abakaliki prisons.
Gunshots was heard intermittently as Police and Soldiers try to recover a firearm allegedly taken from one of the prison officers by the inmates.
The rioting inmates had already succeeded in creating an opening on the wall before anti-riot policemen arrived and heavily tear gassed them into submission.
The prison is located beside the police headquarters leading to prompt intervention from the police.
Already, the Commander of Military cantonment and the commissioner of Police had visited the area and are directing the operations to restore sanity in the prison. – Vanguard.
