At Least One Dead As Gunmen Attack Imo Prison, Police Headquarters

 

Gunmen on Monday attacked the Nigerian Correctional Services and the Police Headquarters in Imo State, freeing an unspecified number of prison inmates.

Channels Television gathered that the attack occurred in the early hours of today, after which the hoodlums set the facilities ablaze.

During the attack, one person suspected to be a fleeing inmate was hit by a bullet while carrying his travel bag.

His lifeless body was visibly seen on the ground in front of the correctional centre.

The gunmen also razed the Imo State Police Command headquarters situated in Owerri and burnt almost all the vehicles parked at the command headquarters.

They were said to have operated from 1:00 am till 3:00 am during which they sang solidarity songs at the Government House Roundabout for about 30 minutes before attacking the facilities.

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When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the attacks.

 

Also, the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service confirmed the attack on its facility.

The Public Relations Officer of the Service, James Madugba, told journalists that the authorities were still trying to get the accurate data of inmates who escaped and the level of devastation caused.

He explained that details will be shared as soon as accurate information and data is collected.

“There was an attack on the Nigerian Correctional Centre very early this morning around 2:15 am and some of these vehicles were burnt.

“Fire service came to assist the much they can to stop the fire from causing more damages. We are yet to confirm exactly what happened,” Madugba said.

 

According to him, no figure has been given on the number of casualties because there was a gun battle between the police and the gunmen.

 

No fewer than 50 cars were set ablaze in the process.

This is the third attack in less than a month on police facilities in Imo State.

Some gunmen had on March 20 stormed the Isiala Mbano Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuelemai.

During the attack, the hoodlum injured a police officer and set ablaze files. They were said to have cordoned off the road before the attack.

On February 25, some gunmen razed the Aboh Mbaise Divisional Police Station in the state.

Some police officers have been killed and police facilities destroyed by gunmen who cart away rifles in similar attacks around the South-east and South-south regions, giving the impression that the attacks may have been coordinated.