Two suspected scrap metal scavengers have died after an explosion inside a drainage channel along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Imo State Police Command said the incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday in a large drainage opposite Lakeside Hotel. Officers, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, responded immediately, cordoned off the area and carried out a thorough search before declaring it safe.
Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said preliminary investigations identified the victims as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu from Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to the police, the pair were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred. They suffered severe burns and were taken to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where doctors confirmed them 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.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents that the situation was under control, stressing that there was no cause for panic because security operatives had secured the area.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.