By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
OWERRI — The Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a mysterious explosion that killed two young men along Old Nekede Road in Owerri, raising fresh concerns over public safety in the state capital.
The incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday inside a large drainage channel located opposite Lakeside Hotel in Owerri West Local Government Area.
Police operatives, acting on a distress report, swiftly cordoned off the area and deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to secure the scene and conduct preliminary investigations.
The victims were identified 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.
According to the police, both men sustained severe burns during the explosion and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they later died while receiving treatment.
Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased may have been scrap metal scavengers who were inside the drainage channel at the time of the explosion. However, authorities say the exact cause of the blast remains unknown.
The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents that the situation has been brought under control and that there is no cause for panic.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious objects, movements, or activities to security agencies.
The incident has generated concern among residents, particularly as security agencies continue efforts to establish the nature of the explosion and whether any dangerous materials were involved.
Police say further details will be made available as investigations progress.
