Fear gripped parts of Freetown in Sierra Leone after gunmen raided a prison and freed inmates.
According to various international media channels, the unknown gunmen raided Central Pademba Road prison in the capital city of Freetown where they set free the detainees.
Earlier on, the gunmen had attacked a major military barracks in the city.
Residents reported hearing gunshots at the barracks, which are close to the presidential residence.
After the attack, the Ministry of Information declared an immediate curfew. Residents across the West African country are “strongly” recommended to stay indoors and flights to and from the nation’s only international airport have been cancelled.
President Julius Maada Bio said calm had been restored and a manhunt was launched to find all of the gunmen.
It is unclear exactly how many inmates have broken out of Central Pademba Road prison.
The facility held more than 2,000 people as of 2019, according to a US State Department report detailing overcrowding and poor conditions at Central Pademba Road.
Videos shared on social media showed several people fleeing from the area of the prison.
One video appeared to show popular rapper Boss LAJ, who was imprisoned last year on robbery charges, running free.
