Two killed in fresh Imo bomb explosion

Two individuals have died following a bomb explosion that occurred inside a drainage channel in Imo State, Nigeria. The incident took place on Thursday night in the Owerri West Local Government Area.

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Preliminary investigation indicates that the two suspects (victims), who were inside the large drainage channel at the time of the explosion, are suspected scrap metal scavengers.

The victims, identified as Hyginus Akalonu, 32, and Victor Egwu, 22, were reportedly scrap metal scavengers. They sustained severe burn injuries and were taken to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Owerri, where they were pronounced dead.

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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.

Police spokesperson Henry Okoye stated that preliminary investigations suggest the victims were inside the drainage channel at the time of the explosion. Operatives visited the scene, cordoned it off, and deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, which declared the area safe.

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The area has since been declared safe.

An investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the blast. The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, assured residents that the police are managing the situation and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. This incident follows previous bomb explosions in Imo State, with some attacks in the region previously blamed on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group that denies involvement.

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The police in the state had begun an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion.