Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has allayed the fears of his people by stating that the government is in control following the jailbreak at the Owerri Correctional Center on Monday.

WuzupNigeria reported that the police have begun a manhunt for about 1,844 inmates who escaped from the facilities during an attack reportedly carried out by gunmen affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

However, following a visit to the affected areas on Sunday, Uzodinma has condemned the attack and at the same time accused the IPOB of trying to create fear in the minds of the people.

“I condemn in strong terms, the Monday wee-hours attacks on facilities belonging to the Police and Correctional Services in Owerri. The development is regrettable and I call for a thorough investigation into the dastardly act.

“Criminal elements claiming to be members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), had attacked the Imo State Police headquarters and Owerri Correctional Services Centre with various degrees of dangerous weapons, destroying buildings, vehicles and other sensitive official materials and unlawfully setting free inmates which the authorities said were over 1800.

“The primary aim of the IPOB members who carried out the attack was to create fears in the minds of the people and at the same time, strive to secure the release of their fellow criminals in custody.

“However, the government is on top of the situation, fully aware that the primary reason government exists is the protection of lives and property of the citizenry.

“We are on top of the situation and there is no need for undue anxiety. I have met with the heads of security agencies in the state to evaluate the incident.

“I am confident that the situation has been brought under control as the plan of the perpetrators of the despicable atrocity which was to cause panic and fear in the State has collapsed already.

“Moreso, given the magnitude of the attacks, the damage done and sophisticated weapons deployed in the attack, I have directed that a comprehensive investigation into the situation be carried out with a view to establishing the faces behind the heinous crime.

“Therefore, I urge Imo citizens and visitors alike to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation as the government is abreast of the situation and will do all within her behest to protect the lives and property of residents.

“May I seize this opportunity to advise parents to rein in their wards and resist the temptation of being used as cannon fodder in a war of attrition being orchestrated by desperate politicians hiding behind criminal elements,” the statement read.