The situation has since been brought under control, said Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo in a statement posted on X early Tuesday.
The escape attempt also resulted in a fire that damaged the prison’s administrative building, food depots, and a hospital. Additionally, 59 people were reported injured.
“The mass escape attempt at Makala central prison led to the tragic loss of life and significant material destruction,” Lukoo said.
A prison official confirmed that none of the prisoners succeeded in escaping, with those attempting the breakout killed during the incident.
The government is now investigating the situation, which began at around 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday. Inmates reported hearing heavy gunfire and commotion from outside the prison.