Sierra Leone imposes nationwide curfew as armed men invade prison

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone on Sunday places the country under a national curfew following attacks on prison facilities by armed men. Scores of inmates were freed in the attack. The president said leaders of the attackers have been arrested and called for calm…

In order to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order, the government of Sierra Leone has placed the country under a nationwide curfew after armed men broke into prisons, setting inmates free.

Some detainees from different “major” facilities were released on Sunday morning, according to the West African nation’s information minister.

The number of the prisoners on the run cannot be ascertained as people were seen fleeing from the area of Freetown’s Central Pademba Road prison.

Commenting on the attack, President Julius Maada Bio said leaders of the team behind the attack had been arrested.

Without making reference to an attempted coup, the president described the events as a “breach of security” and an attack on democracy while addressing the nation.

Sierra Leone has been witnessing political apprehension since June, when President Bio was re-elected for another term in office.

Recall that in August, a number of soldiers were arrested and accused of planning a coup to remove president Bio.

Meanwhile, The US, European Union, UK and regional block Ecowas have condemned the violence in Sierra Leone.

Eight countries in West and Central Africa are under military rule following a series of coups, including in neighbouring Guinea.