IMO: Security agencies launch manhunt for fleeing 1,884 Owerri inmates

THE acting Controller-General of Corrections, John Mrabure, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into attack on custodial centre in the early hours of today.

Mrabure has also ordered massive hunt for 1,884 inmates of the centre that escaped when the attack was launched this morning.

He noted that the exercise, known as search and recover operations, would be carried out in collaboration with other security organisations.

The spokesman, NCoS, Francis Enobore, in a statement titled, ‘Owerri custodial centre attacked by unknown gunmen,’ said six escaped inmates have returned to the facility while 35 others did not escape during the attack.

Explaining how the incident happened, the statement said the attackers stormed the facility at about 02.15am, gained entrance into the yard by using explosives on the administrative block.

It added that they arrived the centre in their large numbers in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna buses armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle.

They eventually detonated the explosives to gain entrance.

“While appealing to the good citizens of Imo State and indeed Nigerians to volunteer useful intelligence that will facilitate the recovery effort, the acting Controller-General wishes to assure that the security of custodial centres in the country remains sacrosanct.

“He equally directed all officers attached to custodial facilities to remain vigilant at this trying moment in our history,” the statement noted.