Two Dead As Bomb Explosion Rocks Imo State

Two suspected scrap metal scavengers have died following an explosion that occurred along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye.

According to the police, the explosion occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday inside a large drainage channel located at No. 1 Old Nekede Road, opposite Lakeside Hotel.

Okoye said operatives of the command, alongside personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, were immediately deployed to the scene.

He added that the area was cordoned off and thoroughly swept by the bomb squad before being declared safe for public movement.

The police identified the deceased as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu, an indigene of Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicated that the two men were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the two suspects, who were inside the large drainage channel at the time of the explosion, are suspected scrap metal scavengers identified as Hyginus Akalonu, 32, of Umulumu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, and Victor Egwu, 22, of Agba, Ishielu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.

“They sustained severe burn injuries during the incident and were promptly evacuated to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment,” the statement read.

Okoye said the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit had commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion.

“The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents that the situation was under control and urged the public not to panic.

He advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious objects, packages or activities to the nearest police formation or through the command’s emergency lines.