PeakNews Online
The Police Command in Imo has said that there was no gunmen attack on the Owerri Correctional Service Custodial Center on Wednesday.
The command’s Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
Okoye was reacting to an online report, which claimed that the facility was attacked by hoodlums.
He described the alleged report as “false and misleading”.
He stated: “The command wishes to state clearly that the said publication is entirely false, misleading, and malicious.
“The publication is a calculated attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of Imo.
“We wish to inform Imo people that the operatives of the entire security agencies have been massively deployed to all the nooks and crannies of the state, including the correctional center to avert any threat of attack.”
Okoye further debunked another trending video an an alleged invasion of a hostel at the Imo State University (IMSU) by security personnel.
The statement warned the students of the university not to have anything to do with the planned nationwide protest.
“A thorough investigation of the video revealed that nothing of such happened in either the IMSU hostel or anywhere in the state.
“The command is committed to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters but warned against any violent demonstration that could lead to destruction of lives and property in the state.
“Consequently, a thorough investigation has been initiated to apprehend the purveyor of the misleading publication cum video.”
It further stated that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the alleged video. 8u
However, Okoye admitted that members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed group, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) carried out pocket of attacks in parts of the state on Wednesday.
According to him, the command in synergy with other security agencies is working harmoniously to apprehend the hoodlums responsible for the attacks and normalcy has been restored.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, therefore, calls on the public to disregard the misleading information.
“He also urged them to remain security conscious and report any suspicious activity via the command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08148024755.
“CP Danjuma appeals to Imo residents that through collaborative efforts and partnership, a safer and more prosperous Imo will be achieved,” Okoye added. (NAN)
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