Tobias Sylvester
The inspector-general of police, Mohammed Adamu, has accused the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) of being behind the attack on the correctional facility and police investigations department in Owerri, Imo State.
KanyiDaily had reported how gunmen stormed Owerri correctional centre on Monday morning, setting the prison on fire and freeing hundreds of inmates.
Speaking on behalf of IGP Adamu in a statement on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, disclosed that the attack on Owerri prison was perpetrated by IPOB and ESN.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The attempt by the attackers to gain access to the Police armoury at the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by Police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking-in and looting the armoury.
“The armoury is thus intact! Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a police constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder.
“Meanwhile, one of the operational vehicles of the attackers has been recovered by the Police and is currently being subjected to forensic scrutiny and investigations.
“The IGP, who condemned the attack on the security outfits, has further directed the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command and a new Special Investigation Team (specifically set up to deal with cases of incessant attacks on security formation/operatives in the region), to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
“The CP is to harness the security reinforcement squads and other operational assets at his disposal to take the battle to the doorsteps of the attackers and prevent any further attack anywhere within the State and its environs.
“The IGP, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders in Imo State, the South-East and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criminality.
“The IGP calls on citizens to avail the Police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals.
“He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the Force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety, security and socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians.”
Meanwhile, IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu has reacted to the attack, saying nobody deserves to be in any Nigerian prison because killer herdsmen and Boko Haram insurgents get freed and rehabilitated.
