No Prison Break In Owerri, NCoS Dismisses Report
The Nigerian Correctional Service Custodial Center in Owerri, Imo State, has debunked reports alleging a prison break at the facility, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Also, an Owerri resident who spoke to THE WHISTLER noted that normal activities continue in and around the facility on Thursday, with no indication of any security breach at the correctional centre.
“There’s no such thing here, no restrictions of any such. I went to work and everything seems fine around here,” the resident, Victoria Okwunaso, told our correspondent.
The NCoS has urged the public to disregard the false information and be cautious about sharing unverified reports capable of inciting panic.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Custodial Centre, CSC Goodluck Uboegbulam, the management clarified that there was no attack or escape of inmates at the facility, contrary to the reports on social media.
“Good morning esteemed officers, please I wish to bring to your notice a disturbing fake news making rounds on the internet about an attack on Owerri custodial centre,” Uboegbulam said in the statement.
“I wish to inform you 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,” he added.
The report, trending on Facebook early Thursday, alleged that over 50 armed Fulani herdsmen had stormed the centre and freed at least 70 of their members detained for alleged attacks on local farmers. It also claimed that the facility was left empty after the supposed assault.
However, NCoS officials denied the incident and assured the public that the facility is secure and under control.
The statement added that the security around the Owerri Custodial Centre remains tight.
Reports indicated that an army armoured tank and several security personnel are permanently stationed at the entrance of the facility. The lane leading to the correctional centre also remained cordoned off to vehicular traffic since the April 1, 2021, due to an attack during the #EndSARS protests.
No Prison Break In Owerri, NCoS Dismisses Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
