At least two inmates have escaped in a major prison break at the State Central Prion Mile 2 in Banjul, as third inmates was recaptured by prisons warders after an attempt to escape.

A source told Gambiana that the prison break happened on Friday while most of the warders were away on a day training at the Police Intervention Unit headquarters. 

They said the inmates realising that there were few prison officers around decided to stage the breakout. 

“Twenty inmates were involved. They pinned down the two security guards who were guarding the prison. I think they were outside.

“The prisoners have escaped through the mangroves and it was the locals in that area around Hamza Barracks who helped the prison guards,” the source said. 

“Apparently, two inmates have already disappeared. I understand their rifles were empty,” the source added.

Modou Lamin Ceesay, spokesman of The Gambia Prison Service, confirmed to Gambiana that:”this information is true, but the number is fake. It was only two prisoners that escaped. And one broke his legs and he was captured and two escaped.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba