Reports that Fulani herdsmen attacked the Owerri correctional center and freed their colleagues on Thursday morning have spread on Facebook.
In a Facebook post, a user, Ini Kings shared images of a burning vesicles and facilities alongside the claim that it was an attack by Fulani herdsmen on Owerri prison on Thursday morning.
The fake report had read “A prison break is currently unfolding in Owerri, Imo State, as no fewer than 50 armed Fulani herdsmen have reportedly attacked the Owerri Correctional Facility. The attackers are said to have freed at least 70 Fulani herdsmen who were being held in custody for allegedly killing local farmers in the state.”
The report claimed the Owerri Custodial Centre was empty as all the inmates had escaped.
This claim was also made here and here.
It’s FALSE
However, FACTWATCH Nigeria can confirm that this claim is false as traffic and normal activities are going on around the centre and Owerri metropolis.
The management of the Custodial Centre, Imo State issued a disclaimer on a trending news online, saying there is no attack nor escape of inmates in the prison.
The Public Relations Officer for Imo State Custodial Centre, CSC Goodluck Uboegbulam, gave the notice on Thursday in Owerri, the state capital.
Uboegbulam, in a statement, wrote,e, “Good morning esteemed officers, please I wish to bring to our notice a disturbing fake news making rounds on the internet about an attack on Owerri custodiacenterre.
“I wish to inform you that it’s all fake and unfounded; Owerri custodial center is cool and calm, and all officers have been put on red alert. Please disregard the news; it’s fake; thank you. CSC Goodluck Uboegbulam CPRO Imo command”.
Uboegbulam assured that the inmates and centre were safe and that the news was fake.
Also, the Imo State Police Command said it’s aware of a false report circulating on social media, claiming that Fulani herdsmen attacked the Owerri Correctional Facility on 10th April 2025 and freed inmates. The Command categorically stated that this report is completely false.
“There has been no prison break, no attack, and no security breach in Imo State. The Owerri Correctional Facility remains secure, with police working alongside other security agencies to maintain peace and order across the State.
The spokesperson for the police command Imo, Henry Okoye urged members of the public to disregard this fake news entirely and refrain from sharing or promoting such unfounded claims. “This misleading report is a deliberate attempt to incite panic, provoke ethnic tension, and mislead the public. The Command strongly condemns the spreading of such misinformation.
“To this end, the Command has initiated a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for initiating and spreading this false report. Legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of inciting panic through the dissemination of such misleading content.
