The management of the Owerri Correctional Centre has dismissed circulating rumours alleging an attack and jailbreak at the facility by armed Fulani herdsmen.
The viral reports, which quickly spread across social media, falsely claimed that gunmen stormed the centre to free some of their detained kinsmen.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the facility, Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) Goodluck Uboegbulam, described the report as entirely untrue and intended to mislead the public.
Advertisement
Uboegbulam called on members of the public and security agencies to disregard the information, which he said had no basis in fact.
“I wish to bring to our notice a disturbing fake news making the rounds on the internet about an attack on Owerri custodial centre. I want to assure everyone that the facility is calm and under control. All officers are on red alert, and there is no cause for alarm,” the release stated.
The misleading report alleged that over 50 armed herdsmen attacked the correctional facility and freed more than 70 inmates. However, a visit to the centre by our correspondent showed that normalcy prevailed and routine operations were ongoing without disruption.
It was also observed that security remains tight around the premises. An army armoured vehicle and personnel continue to guard the entrance, a precaution that has been in place since the April 1, 2021 attack that occurred during the EndSARS protests.
Uboegbulam urged the public to stop spreading unverified stories, noting that such fake news can incite unnecessary fear and panic in society.