Calabar: Convicts on the loose as inmates attempt jailbreak

A jail break at the Calabar Prison, Cross River State was foiled as some inmates Friday gained entry into the armory, and attempted to escape after a gun duel but were overpowered by a combined team of security agents.

The incident, which occurred at about 11am, was said to have caused pandemonium as residents of neighbouring Afokang, Iman and Jebbs in Calabar South axis of the metropolis scampered to safety during the gun duel.

The Afokang end of the prison fence was broken during the process while two inmates were said to have escaped, but the state controller of prisons, Mr. Clement Udosen, said no inmate escaped.
A resident of the area close to the prison gate said that the gun fire lasted for about thirty minutes before soldiers from the Amphibious Battalion, Calabar were brought in to assist the prison wardens who were battling the gun men.
“The gun shots started at about 11 am and went on for about thirty minutes before soldiers came and surrounded the prison and we hear some prison wardens died in the exchange of gun fire with the intruders”
It was, however, not clear how the inmates gained access to the armory, but it was learnt that a total of 53 rifles were recovered after the incident while one could not be accounted for.
The prison armed squad was said to have been overpowered but they immediately called for reinforcement and the situation was brought under control after 40 minutes of gun duel with the inmates.
When this reporter visited the prison at about 1 pm, the entire edifice housing the prison and other surrounding streets was cordoned off by soldiers while shops and residents around the area all locked up their houses and shops.
A soldier dressed in camouflage turned away reporters two streets away from the prison saying that he has been told not to allow anyone near the prison. “We are under orders not to allow anybody into the prison and all those living around the area have to stay indoors”
Mr. Hogan Bassey, the Cross River State police Command spokesman said there was an attempt “by some gun men this morning to break into the prison but were repelled and we are investigating to ascertain who they are and the reason for their action”.

-Ripples

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