The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) has assisted local security forces to evacuate the prison in Tabou, some 474 km southwest of Abidjan, after it was flooded by the recent heavy rainfall in the area. Some 78 inmates were transported on board lorries belonging to UNOCI's Niger battalion based in Tabou after a nearby river burst its banks, causing damage to the prison structures.

"Our humanitarian mission dictated this course of action," the Commander of the Niger Battalion, Ide Ibrahim explained.



The UN Police Commander in Tabou, Armand Bessala said:"We have a duty to defend vulnerable persons and detainees fall into this group."

The UNOCI gesture was welcomed by the judicial and security authorities who expressed their appreciation for the promptitude of the assistance as a sign of UNOCI's willingness to come to the assistance of the Ivorian people.