Tshopo: Six inmates died during an escape attempt at Osio prison

Kisangani, January 26^th, 2026 (CPA).- Six inmates at Osio prison, located in the municipality of Lubunga,  in Kisangani, chief town of Tshopo province in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were found death on Sunday night during an escape attempt.  ‘Six inmates at Osio prison have been Killed on Sunday night during an escape attempt,’ has declared Mr Baudouin Kayongo, burgomaster of the municipality of Lubunga. ‘The incidents have taken place between 1am and 2am. The prison inmates, all of whom have been sentenced to death, have succeeded at making a hole in the prison wall before being neutralised by the soldiers in charge of guarding the prison,’ he has added. According to the same source, the security forces have opened fire to prevent the escape, causing the death of six prisoners involved in this attempt. ‘No injuries or collateral damage has been reported on the side of the security forces,’ Mr Kayongo has specified. He has called on the population to remain calm, reassuring them that the security situation is completely under control in the municipality of Lubunga and around the prison. The burgomaster has also urged the prisoners to respect the laws and regulations of the Republic, reminding them that imprisonment is not an end in itself. He has also announced that an investigation could be opened to establish the exact circumstances of this failed escape and to determine the responsibilities in terms of security.