Following claims of an attack on the Owerri Custodial Centre, the management has described the report as fake, saying the centre is safe.
News broke online on Thursday morning that Fulani herdsmen had allegedly attacked the centre and freed Fulani herdsmen as well as other inmates.
The spokesperson for the Imo Custodial Centre, CSC Goodluck Uboegbulam, in a statement, debunked the attack allegation.
Furthermore, he said the centre was calm, while security operatives were on high alert.
The statement reads, “Good morning esteemed officers, please I wish to bring to our notice of a disturbing fake news making rounds on the internet about an attack on Owerri Custodial Centre.
“I wish to inform us that it’s all fake and unfounded, Owerri custodial centre is cool and calm, all officers have been put on red alert. Please disregard the news, it’s fake, thank you. CSC Goodluck Uboegbulam CPRO Imo command”.
Uboegbulam assured that the inmates and centre were safe and that the news was fake.
Netizens woke up to a report trending on Facebook that there had been a break in at the Owerri Custodial Centre led by alleged Fulani herdsmen.
The fake report had claimed a prison break was currently unfolding in Owerri, Imo State, as no fewer than 50 armed Fulani herdsmen have reportedly attacked the Owerri Correctional Facility. The attackers were said to have freed at least 70 Fulani herdsmen who were being held in custody for allegedly killing local farmers in the state.
The report claimed the Owerri Custodial Centre was completely empty as all the inmates had escaped.
