The last is yet to be heard of the heavy downpour that occurred in Owerri metropolis, capital of Imo State, as the Prisons appears to have been badly affected.

The Authority Daily had as part of its responsibilities, visited popular offices on the ever busy Okigwe road which houses the headquarters of the Owerri Prisons, to check the extent of damages incurred in the State.


A passerby can from the road, see the destroyed documents displayed outdoor to dry after the downpour that occurred on Friday.

Other sections affected include the Administrative block that houses the works and records departments, whose roofs were totally removed as the rains uprooted a tree which collapsed on the building in the dead of the night.

Also affected were the Mechanics workshop which houses the logistics; Chief Disciplinary office; and staff canteen.

All the affected offices are outside the prison building, and can be seen by passersby.

Though they could not gain access into the Prison building, visitors were seen standing in groups discussing the havoc caused by the rains,  as many wondered the extent of damages wrecked on the cells.

However, some members of staff were seen carrying office items like chairs, tables, cabinets, and other items to other makeshift offices as theirs were affected by the rains. 

Already, some offices have been vacated because they were flooded with their rooftops totally removed. 

A concerned parent who gave her name as Mama, lamented thus "if outside is like this, what does inside look like. I hope people are not drenched with rain as they may have to stay in cells whose roofs may have been pulled off or even stand in flooded cells", she said.

When contacted via telephone, the State Prisons Public Relations Officer, DSP James Madugba admitted that the heavy rains uprooted trees, which fell on offices, and some rooftops.

Madugba said " the heavy downpour affected some buildings and left some offices flooded. I cannot evaluate the extent of damages but without doubt, we incurred damages. However, we are eternally grateful to God that no live(s) was lost", the Prisons PRO said.

Further, he confirmed that some offices have been temporarily relocated pending when repairs will be effected.




Picture caption 

Pix 1
Mechanic workshop which houses Logistics; Disciplinary office; and Staff canteen.

Pix 2
An office vacated because of flood. 

Pix 3 
Administrative block which houses works and records departments.

Pix 4
Another office affected by the rains. 

Pix 5
The roof of the main entrance of the Prisons affected by the rains.