At least 2,000 inmates escaped on Monday morning from the Correctional Facility near the State Government House following an attack by hoodlums.
The hoodlums also attacked the Imo Police command headquarters where they freed another 600 suspects in custody.
They set the police headquarters ablaze with dozens of vehicles burnt in the process.
The state police command said the attack started around 1.30 am and ended around 3.30 am.
It was gathered the hoodlums converged in front of the Imo State Government House, circling the roundabout and chanting solidarity songs for about 30 minutes before setting out to attack the Police Command Headquarters.
They were said to have shot heavily as they approached the Command headquarters and launched an attack on the State Criminal Investigative Department (CID) as well as the former SARS.
Officers on duty reportedly ran away as the hoodlums released every suspect in detention.
The only unit the hoodlums did not attack is the anti-kidnapping unit located some meters away inside the police barracks at Shell Camp.
Sources said the hoodlums were heard telling the detainees and prisoners “you’ve been released because Jesus Christ is risen from the death today”.
The hoodlums also bombed the building, setting dozens of vehicles within the Police Command ablaze.
The hoodlums moved over to the Owerri Correctional Centre, which they forced open with dynamites, freeing over 2000 prisoners.
It was gathered that out of the more than 2,000 prisoners, only eleven refused to run away with others.
Eyewitnesses said the gunshots lasted for hours but there was no casualty. Those who have gunshot wounds are receiving treatments in the hospital.’’
The spokesman of Owerri Correctional Centre, Mr Madunagu, said he will brief the press at the appropriate time.
