The Nigerian Correctional Services in Imo State was in the early hours of Monday attacked by heavily armed gunmen who freed an unspecified number of prison inmates and the facility ablaze.
The gunmen also razed the Imo State Police Command headquarters situated in Owerri and burnt almost all the vehicles parked at the command headquarters.
The gunmen according to an eyewitness account, were said to have sang solidarity songs at the Government House Roundabout for about 30 minutes before attacking the facilities.
The Imo state Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu, and the state Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service have since confirmed the attack.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Correctional Service, James Madugba, authorities were still trying to get accurate data of inmates who escaped and the level of devastation caused.
He further explained that details will be shared as soon as accurate information and data is collected, as there was a gun battle between the police and the gunmen.
However, a lifeless body, suspected to be a fleeing inmate was seen on the ground in front of the correctional centre.
Leave a Reply