The Imo State Custodial Centre management has refuted an online report claiming an attack and inmate escape at the facility.
In a statement released on Thursday in Owerri, the state capital, the Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Custodial Centre, CSC Goodluck Uboegbulam, dismissed the trending news as false and unfounded. The disclaimer followed a report circulating on Facebook alleging a break-in at the Owerri Custodial Centre by purported Fulani herdsmen.
CSC Uboegbulam assured the public and officers that the Owerri Custodial Centre is “cool and calm,” and that all officers have been placed on high alert. He urged everyone to disregard the fake news.
The fabricated report had falsely claimed that around 50 armed Fulani herdsmen attacked the Owerri Correctional Facility, freeing approximately 70 Fulani herders who were allegedly detained for killing local farmers. It further stated that the custodial center was completely empty due to the supposed escape of all inmates.
However, contrary to these claims, reports indicate a constant presence of a stationed army armored tank with personnel and other security operatives in front of the center. Additionally, the road leading to the facility has been closed to traffic since the April 1st, 2021 attack during the #EndSARS protests. As of today, traffic and normal activities continue uninterrupted around the center and the wider Owerri metropolis, further contradicting the online misinformation.
