UPDATED: Explosion Rocks Owerri As Gunmen Attack Prison, Police Headquarters

An explosion has been reported at Owerri, the capital of Imo State, as yet-to-be identified gunmen attacked the Owerri Correctional Prison in the State capital.

BIGPENNGR reports that an explosive device went off at the prison few hours after flames were sighted at the Imo State Police Command headquarters situated in Owerri metropolis.

Sources revealed that besides the prison that was attacked, the police headquarters was reportedly bombed leaving in its trail burnt vehicles.

According to reports, a large number of inmates were freed from the prison by the attackers who also freed several suspects from their cells at the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command.

A worried resident was quoted to have said in a distress message; “There have been sounds of heavy bullets and bomb around Okigwe Road where Owerri Prison is located.

“It is feared that it could be a prison break,” the source said, adding: “We’ve been awake since 2:00 a.m.”

When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the attacks.

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He, however, assured the people of the state that the security agencies were on top of the matter.