Reports circulating on social media about an invasion of the Imo State Correctional Centre by gunmen have been refuted by the Imo State Police Command.
In a press release from the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, it was clarified that the stories were deliberately spread by troublemakers to cause unnecessary fear and worry among the people of the state.
The statement emphasized that security agencies have been extensively deployed throughout the state, including the correctional centre, to prevent any potential attacks.
ASP Okoye also discredited a viral video suggesting that security forces had raided a hostel at Imo State University and cautioned students against participating in a planned nationwide protest.
According to the statement, an investigation conducted by the command revealed that no such incident occurred at the state university hostel or anywhere else in Imo State.
Okoye reiterated the police command’s commitment to upholding the rights of peaceful demonstrators while cautioning against violent protests that may result in harm to lives and properties.
Regarding the alleged attack on the state correctional centre, the police spokesperson mentioned that a thorough probe has been launched to apprehend those spreading misleading information, with one suspect already in custody.
Furthermore, acknowledging sporadic attacks in some areas of the state linked to suspected IPOB/ESN members, the statement assured that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is actively working to arrest the perpetrators and restore order.
The public was urged to ignore false information and report any suspicious activities to the command’s emergency hotlines at 08034773600 and 08148024755.