Reports circulating on social media about an attack on the Imo State Correctional Centre by gunmen have been dismissed by the Imo State Police Command.
In a press release by ASP Henry Okoye, the Public Relations Officer of the command, it was clarified that the stories were deliberately fabricated to instill unnecessary fear and worry among the residents of the state.
The statement assured the people of Imo that security agencies have been strategically deployed across the state, including the correctional center, to prevent any potential threats.
ASP Okoye also refuted a trending video suggesting that security forces raided a hostel at Imo State University and cautioned students against participating in a planned nationwide protest.
After a thorough investigation, the command confirmed that no such incident occurred in the university hostel or anywhere else in the state.
He reiterated the commitment of the police command to safeguarding the rights of peaceful demonstrators while cautioning against violent protests that could result in harm to lives and property in the state.
Regarding the alleged attack on the correctional center, the police spokesperson revealed that an extensive investigation has been launched to apprehend those spreading false information, with one suspect already in custody.
“While there have been isolated attacks in some parts of the state reportedly carried out by suspected members of IPOB/ESN, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is actively working to apprehend the perpetrators and restore peace,” a portion of the statement mentioned.
The command urged the public to ignore misinformation and encouraged them to report any suspicious activities through the command’s emergency hotlines, 08034773600 and 08148024755.