At least eight prisoners were re-arrested after nine inmates escaped from the Bentiu main prison in Unity State last Friday, authorities reported.
Unity State Deputy Director General of Prison Maj Gatmai told the Radio Tamazuj on Monday that he had confirmed that nine inmates had escaped from the facility on Friday due to unsecured buildings and poor fencing.
Eight of the escapees were reportedly re-arrested after four hours of pursuit.
Those who escaped were serving different terms for various offences, including murder and rape.
Gatluak said the main challenge in managing the Bentiu prison is the lack of a proper building and the lack of a fence for the premises.
He appealed to the National Government to build the prison.
A member of civil society in Unity State, Dr Riek Koang, described the incident as unfortunate and blamed the government for not building a permanent prison.
“I appreciate the security personnel who were on duty during the day of escape from prison,” he said.
“Many thanks to the officers who were on duty during the incident and for managing to bring back those who escaped.”