Heavy Rainfall Triggers Prison Wall Collapse in Ilesa, Osun; Seven Inmates Flee

Early Tuesday morning, a heavy downpour caused the collapse of the perimeter wall at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, resulting in the escape of seven inmates. The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed that the breach happened at about 2 a.m. due to the structural failure of the facility’s aging wall.

NCoS spokesman Umar Abubakar said, “The force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven (7) inmates.” Following the incident, Controller General Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche ordered a prompt investigation.

Authorities have launched an extensive manhunt in collaboration with other security agencies and local community leaders to recapture the escapees. The NCoS also called on the public to provide information that could assist in the search, providing hotline numbers for tips.

This escape adds to a series of security breaches linked to deteriorating prison infrastructure in Nigeria. In September 2024, floods caused a similar wall collapse in Maiduguri, Borno State, allowing 281 inmates to escape. Earlier in April 2024, 119 inmates fled from Suleja prison after heavy rains weakened the walls.