An atmosphere of confusion engulfed Umuawom village in Iho-Dueze autonomous community in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday after a fleeing inmate was set ablaze.
The victim was one of the 1,884 inmates who fled after gunmen attacked Owerri Correctional Centre on Monday.
Our correspondent gathered that the escapee, who hailed from neighbouring Ogwa community in the Mbaitoli LGA, went to the family after returning home.
He had accused the family of being responsible for his years of incarceration and wanted to get his pound of flesh.
A village source said “The guy came back from the prison after the jailbreak, dropped his bag and headed straight to the family that he had problem with, which he said landed him in prison.
“On sighting the prison escapee, the family became charged. The guy told the family members that he had come home and was ready to deal with them. Altercation ensued and he was set ablaze.”
When contacted for comments, the police spokesman in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, said he had yet to be briefed officially on the matter.
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