- Safiu Kehinde
At least, 129 inmates have been reportedly killed in a prison break attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This was confirmed by Congolese Interior Minister, Jacquemain Shabani on Tuesday.
Shabani disclosed on his X account, that authorities shot dead 24 inmates of the Makala prison in the capital Kinshasa, while dozens of others were suffocated or trampled to death.
According to the minister, some female prisoners were raped during the chaos on Monday night.
He said at least 59 people were also injured. The police and army were able to bring the situation under control.
Shabani said the number of victims is preliminary.
“The mass escape attempt at Makala Central Prison resulted in the loss of life and significant material damage,” Shabani said in the video statement, adding that the situation was now under control.
The damage to property was considerable. Administrative buildings, the infirmary and the food depot had been completely burnt down, the minister added.
Meanwhile, Security forces held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the case.
Prison breaks are a frequent occurrence in the conflict-torn Central African country. Hundreds of inmates often manage to escape together.