Nationwide prison riots in Colombia prompted by coronavirus fears have left at least 23 inmates dead and 83 injured, the country's Ministry of Justice said on Sunday

Today is a very sad and painful day for the country," Justice Minister Margarita Cabello said in a video address.

"I have to inform you that last night there was a massive and criminal escape attempt at the La Modelo prison and revolts at different penitentiary centers in the country," she said.

The escape attempt at Bogota’s La Modelo prison, one of the country’s largest and most overpopulated prisons, resulted in the reported 23 dead and 83 injured Cabello said.

"There were no escapes," said Cabello, adding, "Nor was there was a sanitary problem that could have prompted this plan and these revolts."

Cabello said as of Sunday, there are zero inmates or prison personnel who have tested positive for coronavirus or who have been isolated because of coronavirus.

Earlier Sunday, Colombian President Ivan Duque said security forces and prison authorities are responding to "disorders in different parts of the country."