There was panic yesterday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, over the alleged relocation of Boko Haram prisoners from Ekwulobia, Anambra State, to Abakaliki Prisons.

A reliable source revealed that the suspects had arrived Abakaliki Prisons on Thursday night in four trucks heavily guarded by security operatives, mainly soldiers.

Ebonyi residents woke up with great fears when news of alleged relocation of the 47 Boko Haram suspects filtered into town. Though Governor Dave Umahi swiftly dispelled the rumour, Abakaliki residents were already spoiling for protest.

According to the Governor, “I received a text message shortly after I returned to Abakaliki from my trip to Israel that Boko Haram suspects previously relocated to Ekwulobia Prison in Anambra State have been relocated to Abakaliki Prison.

“Immediately I got the text massage, I made some calls and I can tell you authoritatively that Boko Haram suspects were not relocated to Abakaliki and there are no plans for such relocation. Ebonyi State is not yet ripe to accommodate such high calibre of prison inmates.”

The 47 Boko Haram suspects were moved from Ekwulobia Prisons earlier in the week after months of protest by traders but their new abode has remained a closely guarded secret. The 47 Boko Haram prisoners were brought into Ekwulobia Prisons in the night of Sunday, June 28, 2015, amidst tight security, sparking protests across the South-East, mainly by traders.

Contacted, Ebonyi State Police Commissioner, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, said she was not aware of the arrival of Boko Haram suspects in the state.

The Public Relations Officer of Abakaliki Prisons, Mr. Frank, also stated that he was not aware of the arrival of Boko Haram suspects to the facility.

“I am not aware of Boko Haram suspects being brought to the prisons. If they are on their way, I don’t know,” he added.

•Adapted from a Saturday Sun report. Photo shows protesters.