Ethiopia: Ninety-two inmates escape from Gambella prison

by Engidu Woldie
ESAT News (April 16, 2019)

A spat between two inmates at the Gambella prison in western Ethiopia led to a brawl between two clan groups, offering a rare chance for 92 inmates to escape.

Local media reports said the prison had few police officers who were busy breaking up the fight, which gave an opportunity for 92 inmates to jump over the prison walls to free themselves.

The prison houses a total of 316 inmates and reports say three inmates sustained light injuries at the end of the brawl.

Local officials said hunt is underway to catch the runaway prisoners.

The petty quarrel between two inmates at a water dispenser quickly turned into a fight between the Nuer and Anuak clan groups, according to prison officials.

Order has been restored after local and federal forces took control of the prison.