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.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday in a large drainage opposite Lakeside Hotel, prompting the immediate deployment of police operatives and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to the scene.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the area was immediately cordoned off and thoroughly searched before it was declared safe.
According to the police, preliminary investigations identified the victims as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu of Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu of Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The command described the deceased as suspected scrap metal scavengers, stating that they were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred.
The victims sustained severe burns and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
“The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the statement said.
Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso assured residents that the situation was under control, stressing that there was no cause for alarm as the affected area had been secured.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
