By Deborah Nnamdi
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the death of two suspected scrap metal scavengers following an explosion inside a drainage channel along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area.
The explosion occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday in a large drainage channel opposite Lakeside Hotel, prompting the immediate deployment of police operatives and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to the scene.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said the area was immediately cordoned off and thoroughly searched before it was declared safe for residents.
According to the police, preliminary investigations identified the victims as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu, from 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.
The victims, believed to be scrap metal scavengers, sustained severe burns in the explosion and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were later confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
Okoye said the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit had commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents that the situation was under control and urged members of the public not to panic, noting that the affected area had been secured.
He also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
