More than 100 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in central Chad following a violent uprising that left three people dead and several others wounded, including a visiting state governor, officials told AFP on Saturday.
The prison break occurred late Friday at a facility located about five kilometers from the town of Mongo in Guera province.
“There are around 100 who escaped, three dead, and three wounded,” said Hassan Souleymane Adam, secretary general of the province.
According to a local official, who spoke anonymously, the inmates stormed a prison manager’s office and seized firearms, leading to a shootout with prison guards. The confrontation coincided with the arrival of the regional governor, who was injured in the crossfire.
The official said the prisoners were frustrated over food shortages, which triggered the revolt. He added that 132 inmates managed to escape during the chaos.
Justice Minister Youssouf Tom said he was en route to Mongo and would provide more detailed information upon arrival.