Imo prison attack: Police debunk reports as false

The Imo State Police Command has debunked false stories circulating on social media that the Imo State Correctional Centre has been invaded by gunmen.

A press statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, stated that the stories were a calculated attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of the state.

“We wish to inform Imo people that the operatives of the entire security agencies have been massively deployed to all the nooks and crannies of the state, including the correctional centre, to evade any threat of attack,” the affirmed.

ASP Okoye also debunked another trending video that suggested that security operatives invaded a hostel at Imo State University and warned students to stay off the planned nationwide demonstration.

He said in the statement that a thorough investigation of the video carried out by the command revealed that nothing of the sort happened in either the state university hostel or anywhere in the state.

Okoye maintained that the police command is committed to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters but warned against any violent demonstration that could lead to the destruction of lives and properties in the state.

Concerning the alleged attack on the state correctional centre, the police spokesperson disclosed that a thorough investigation has been initiated to apprehend the peddlers of misleading information, stating that one suspect has been arrested.

“We are also aware of the recent pocket of attacks in some places in the state orchestrated by suspected members of IPOB/ESN; however, the command, in synergy with other security agencies, is working harmoniously to apprehend the hoodlums responsible for the attacks and normalcy has been restored,” the statement partly read.

The command called on the general public to disregard misleading information. Members of the public were also urged to report any suspicious activity via the command’s emergency lines, 08034773600 and 08148024755.