The management of the Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State has dismissed claims of an attack or jailbreak at the facility, describing the reports circulating online as false.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Custodial Centre, CSC Goodluck Uboegbulam, refuted the viral news, which alleged that inmates had escaped following an assault by armed Fulani herdsmen. The claims of a prison break sparked widespread concern after they gained traction on social media platforms, particularly Facebook.
Uboegbulam addressed the situation, urging the public to disregard the “fake” reports. He stated, “Good morning esteemed officers, please I wish to bring to our notice of a disturbing fake news making rounds on the internet about an attack on Owerri custodial centre. I wish to inform us that it’s all fake and unfounded. Owerri custodial centre is cool and calm, all officers have been put on red alert. Please disregard the news, it’s fake. Thank you.”
The officer reassured the public that the facility and its inmates were safe, adding that heightened security measures had been implemented in the area to prevent any untoward incidents.
The false report had suggested that over 50 armed individuals, alleged to be Fulani herdsmen, had attacked the Owerri Custodial Centre and freed around 70 herdsmen detained for allegedly killing local farmers. It further claimed that the centre had been completely emptied of its inmates.
However, reports from local authorities indicate that the facility remains secure, with an army armoured tank and other security personnel stationed outside. Additionally, the area surrounding the custodial centre has been under heavy security since the 2021 #EndSARS protests, with traffic restrictions still in place along the road leading to the centre.
Despite the online panic, regular activities and traffic are continuing in the vicinity of the Owerri metropolis, with no reports of any disruption at the facility.
Leave feedback about this