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File Photo: Imo Correctional Centre attacked by gunmen
“We heard repeated gunshots, then heavy explosions that even shook our ceilings and windows. Outside was quiet, it was around past 2.00am and the only noise was from the gunmen and their guns. It’s when we woke up this Easter Monday morning that we got the full story. The loud sounds that shook our homes was from the dynamites the attackers used”.
The above was how a witness summarized the Monday morning attack of the Imo Police command headquarters and the correctional centre in Owerri.
“They were fully prepared. We heard the movement of vehicles amid the gunshots but now I know it was the vehicles of the gunmen who were said to have operated with no fewer than 10 vehicles”, the witness preferred not to be named said. His home is within the vicinity of the correctional centre.
The attackers after first overpowering the police at the Command headquarters and causing detainees in scores to flee from police custody also set free over 1,500 inmates at the correctional centre.
Hours after the incident smoke was still belching from the correctional centre and the police command apparently from the remnants of the explosives and the subsequent fire that emanated from the explosions.
Military men and other security operatives have barricaded Okigwe road where both the police command and the correctional centre are situated.
A security guard attached to Imo Government House, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen struck with dynamite.
“The military men that were contacted to save the situation were overpowered.
“They also burnt some vehicles parked at the entrance of the command headquarters,” he told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
The gunmen were also said to have danced and sung solidarity songs for more than 30 minutes before attacking the facilities.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the attack
He, however, assured the people of the state that the security agencies were on top of the matter.
According to him, only the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command headquarters were attacked.
He also confirmed that some vehicles were set ablaze by the gun men.
The incident had created palpable fear on the minds of residents who are afraid to go about their businesses.
