The Imo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed an attack on its facility in Owerri.
The Public Relations Officer of the service in the state, Mr James Madugba, confirmed the incident in Owerri on Monday.
Police headquarters close to the Correctional Service office was also attacked.
Madugba, who said that the event occurred about 2 a.m on Monday, also said that many inmates escaped.
He said some operational vehicles of the service were burnt.
He added that the service had yet to confirm the numbers of escaped inmates and damaged vehicles.
“We can confirm that the facility was attacked about 2 a.m. on Monday with operational vehicles burnt and many inmates at large.
“We have yet to confirm definite figures but we’ll make them public as soon as possible “, he said.
He, however, called on residents of the state to go about their businesses, as according to him, the situation is under control.
Meanwhile, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Monday’s attacks on Police and Correctional Service headquarters in Owerri
Its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said in a statement in Owerri on Monday that the group was formed on the principle of peace and would not compromise its principles.
It would also not attack government facilities, he stated.
“The attention of IPOB has been drawn to the fallacious and fabricated reports that it is involved in the attack of prison and police headquarters in Imo.
“IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) are known groups, not unknown gunmen. ESN is in the bush chasing terrorists and have no business with the said attacks.
“We were not involved in the attack in Owerri and the recent attack on Onitsha-Owerri road at Ukwuorji junction.
“It is not our mandate to attack security personnel or prison facilities,’’ he stated.
Meanwhile, soldiers have been drafted to secure Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Government House in Owerri. The troops already barricaded roads to the facility.
