Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Comptroller of Prisons, Mrs Adaobi Oputa, said that the situation has been brought under control. She further disclosed that the incident which occurred around 9. 30 a.m. on Thursday happened as a result of some inmates refusing the early morning routine search in their cells. Although she did not confirm if lives were lost and also denied the allegation that the riot was triggered by inmates protesting poor quality of food and welfare. Other Sources who spoke to Channels Television claimed that at least 4 people were killed in this process including two prison officials while several others left wounded. According to the source, the inmates were trying to take advantage of the chaotic situation to escape but unfortunately the police arrived to foil the attempt. Unconfirmed reports also have it tha,t one of the armed prison official had been disarmed by the inmates. While Speaking to Channels Television via telephone, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi state, Peace Abdallah says she cannot confirm yet if lives were lost but but there was a fracas between prison officials and inmates on Thursday morning, after a protest by the inmates, which almost led to a jailbreak but fortunately, the rapid response and anti-riot team of the Ebonyi State Police Command responded swiftly after a call by the prison officials. She however said the environment and all roads leading to the prison has been cordoned off to ensure that peace and stability is brought back to the area. The Abakaliki prison is located beside the Ebonyi State Police Command adjacent the Ebonyi State Government House and the state cabinet office.]]>