Two suspected scrap metal scavengers have died following 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 near Lakeside Hotel. Police operatives and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit were immediately deployed to the scene, where the area was secured and later declared safe.
The victims were identified as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu from Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Both sustained severe burns in the explosion and were confirmed dead at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri.
Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said preliminary investigations indicate the victims were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred. He added that the EOD Unit has commenced a full investigation to determine the cause of the blast.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has assured residents that the situation is under control and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station.
