They staged a protest, alleging maltreatment and poor welfare by the prison officials.
Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Comptroller of Prisons, Mrs Adaobi Oputa, said that the situation had been brought under control.
She further told reporters that the incident, which occurred around 9. 30am, 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, she 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 four people were killed in the process including two prison officials while several others were 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 that one of the armed prison official was disarmed by the inmates.
In a telephone conversation with Channels Television via telephone, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Peace Abdallah, said she could not 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.
The Commissioner of Police said that the protest 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 had been cordoned off to ensure that peace and stability in the area.
The Abakaliki prison is located beside the Ebonyi State Police Command adjacent the Ebonyi State Government House and the state cabinet office. (Channels TV)
•Photo shows a compromised Prison wall.
