Kasai: At least 50 inmates escaped from a prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai province, authorities said late Saturday. Territorial administrator Jean Tshiawuke wa Tshiawuke reported that the prisoners forced their way out of Luebo prison overnight Thursday into Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tshiawuke stated that the entire prison was left empty following the escape, which appeared to be well-prepared as the inmates did not need to open the padlocks to exit. The administrator indicated that security personnel might have been involved in facilitating the escape, which allowed all the inmates to leave the facility.

The official expressed concern over the security implications of the incident, highlighting that among the escapees were detainees considered dangerous to the public. Tshiawuke confirmed that a search operation has been launched and that three rifles went missing during the escape.

He urged residents to report any sightings of the escaped detainees and assist the authorities in their efforts to recapture them.