Insecurity In Imo: “There Was No Attack/Invasion Of Owerri Correctional Centre, IMSU Hostel” – Police

By Charles Igbo

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed as fake and nauseating the story in some sections of the Social Media that gunmen attacked the Owerri Correctional Centre on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The Command, also, put a lie to another story which made the rounds that Security Agents invaded a students’ Hostel at the Imo State University to warn the students not to join the Nationwide protest by, mostly, youths against excruciating hunger in the land.

A statement signed by the Command’s Spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye said an attack on the Correctional Centre could not have been possible as there is a massive deployment of Security Agents in all “nooks and crannies” including the Correctional Center.

He said those spreading such fake rumours are only out to spread fears among Imo citizens and revealed that one of them has been arrested by the Police.

He, however, admitted that there have been attacks in some areas in the State which he attributed to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its Militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN.

But Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based Head of a breakaway faction of IPOB has since claimed responsibility for the killings in the State, specifically, the killing of four Policemen in Irete a couple of days ago. A viral video showed off four guns collected from the neutralised Policemen.

The Police Command, in an earlier statement, swore to get the perpetrators of the killings in  the State dead or alive.

Following is the full text of the Wednesday statement which denied the attack on Owerri Prisons by gunmen, and/or the invasion of the Imo State University Hostel by Security Agents.

ATTACK ON IMO CORRECTIONAL CENTER FALSE, MISLEADING MALICIOUS, AND HANDIWORK OF MISCHIEF MAKER’S

“The Imo State Police Command is issuing this statement in response to a publication making the rounds on social media that the Correctional Service Custodial Center, Owerri was attacked by gunmen today, 31/07/2024.

“The Command wishes to state clearly that the said publication is entirely false, misleading, and malicious. The publication is a calculated attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of Imo 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 center to evade any threat of attack.

“In the same vein, the command wishes to debunk another trending video suggesting that security operatives invaded a hostel at Imo State University, warning the students to stay off the planned nationwide demonstration.

“A thorough investigation of the video revealed that nothing of such happened in either the IMSU hostel or anywhere in the state. The Command is committed to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters but however, warned against any violent demonstration that could lead to destruction of lives and properties in the state.

“Consequently, a thorough investigation has been initiated to apprehend the purveyor of the misleading publication cum video as 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 Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma therefore called on the general public to disregard the misleading information and urged them to remain security conscious and report any suspicious activity via the Command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08148024755.

“CP Aboki Danjuma appeals to Ndi Imo that through collaborative efforts and partnership, a safer and more prosperous Imo State will be achieved.

“ASP HENRY OKOYE, ANIPR

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

IMO STATE COMMAND.”