Some gunmen on Monday attacked Police command headquarters in Imo and the correctional centre in Owerri with explosives.
The gunmen were said to have operated with no fewer than 10 vehicles at about 2 a.m. on Monday, setting free some inmates.
A source who wanted anonymity further said that no fewer than 150 suspects were released from the command.
It was also gathered that no fewer than 1, 500 inmates of the correctional centre were freed in the attack.
As at 9 a.m on Monday, military men and other security operatives barricaded Okigwe road where both the police command and the correctional center are situated.
A News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reporter who was around the area at the time of filing this report, observed that smoke was still coming out from the premises of the police command and the correctional centre as a result of the explosives.
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 said.
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 was attacked.
He also confirmed that some vehicles were set ablaze by the gun men.
Security agents had on Monday morning taken charge of the major streets in the state capital.
The incident had created palpable fear on the minds of residents who are afraid to go about their businesses.
Source: NAN
