Seven inmates were able to escape from Paloich Prison in Melut County after an unknown armed group broke into the prison last week.

Two inmates out of the seven prisoners were accused of stealing 2.5 million SSP and 200 dollars from local traders after they broke into two shops at Paloch market on 25 April, while others were accused of killings.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Anyar Deng, a local trader at Paloch market, said that the prisoners escaped last week when an unknown armed group broke into the prison and released them.

The trader claimed they were asked by the police to search for the suspects that broke into their shops and looted money before they arrested the suspects last week.

“I think that was a deal between policemen and some armed groups because the padlock of the prison was open and it was later locked after the suspects escaped and there was not even a single bullet fired by the policemen who were on duty when the incident took place,” he said.

Anyar pointed out that nobody was arrested in connection with the incident.

The trader asked the National Ministry of Interior and Northern Upper Nile State to replace all the police officers who are serving in Paloich because they have failed to provide security to the traders and their properties in Melut County.