The Imo State Police Command on Wednesday dismissed a viral  social media post  that the Correctional Service Custodial Center, Owerri was attacked by gunmen today, after sporadic gunshots in the city led to shutdown of activities.


The Command's  Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Okoye in a statement described the publication as  entirely false, misleading, and malicious and  a calculated attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of Imo State. 


"We wish to inform Imo people that the operatives of the entire security agencies have been massively deployed to all the nooks and crannies of the State including the Correctional Services Centre to evade any threat of attack.


"In the same vein, the command wishes to debunk another trending video suggesting that security operatives invaded a hostel at Imo State University, warning the students to stay off the planned nationwide demonstration. 


"A thorough investigation of the video revealed that nothing of such happened in either the IMSU hostel or anywhere in the State. The Command is committed to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters but however, warned against any violent demonstration that could lead to destruction of lives and properties in the State". 


The Police reaction was in response to sporadic gunshots heard in several parts of Owerri , the State capital leading to widespread confusion and shutdown of commercial activities and government offices.


Gunshots were heard in high density areas of the city like the Imo State University junction, Akwakuma, Amakohia, Ikenegbu, Douglas Road, Okigwe Road, Mbari street, Aba Road, Item street, Nekede, Wetheral Road.


The  development caused banks, markets, shops and other businesses  to shutdown. Motorists abandoned their vehicles on the roads and ran for dear life.  Pedestrians equally followed suit as the gunshots  dominated the atmosphere.


No death had been reported in the Wednesday incident, however three persons lost their lives and one person kidnapped when some gunmen attacked Orji, Akabo and Nworieubu communities, respectively on Tuesday, while four police officers and a woman were killed on Monday in yet another attack


The Police in its reaction stated that the Command in synergy with other security agencies is working harmoniously to apprehend the hoodlums responsible for the attacks, adding that normalcy has been restored.