At least 2,000 inmates were freed from the Correctional Facility near the Imo State Government House in Owerri on Monday, following an attack from suspected hoodlums.
The hoodlums also invaded the Imo Police command headquarters, where they freed 600 more suspects in custody.
They burnt the police headquarters along with dozens of vehicles.
According to sources, the attack started around 1.30 am and ended around 3.30am without any resistance.
It is understood 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 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.
Sources said the hoodlums were heard telling the detainees and prisoners “you’ve been released because Jesus Christ is risen from the death today”.
