A deadly explosion struck the Obinwanne community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to two bystanders.
Shortly after the blast, videos circulated online, showing the victim in severe pain with visibly damaged legs.
In the footage, some residents could be heard blaming the man for the incident, alleging he was attempting to plant a bomb near a local market when it detonated.
Locals identified the victim as Chinworeke Mmadu and speculated that he may have been acting on behalf of a terror group allegedly operating under the guise of Biafra agitation.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident in an official statement issued on Thursday. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the man was in possession of the explosive device when it “exploded prematurely.”
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Okoye said the police responded swiftly after receiving a report about the explosion.
“On receipt of the distress call, operatives from Njaba Divisional Headquarters immediately mobilised to the scene,” he stated.
He added that two individuals injured in the explosion were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment, and order was restored in the area.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Hamzat Abdulkadir, visited the site alongside members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.
“The area was carefully swept and has been declared safe for public use,” Okoye confirmed.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, expressed sympathy for those injured in the blast and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to public safety.
He called on residents to stay vigilant and provide “timely information” to assist ongoing security efforts.
