Explosion in Imo kills two, police begin investigation

An explosion inside a large drainage channel at No.1 Old Nekede Road, opposite Lakeside Hotel in Owerri West LGA, killed two people believed to be scavengers.

Imo State Police Command, through spokesperson Henry Okoye, announced that it has begun an investigation into the incident.

Okoye said that police officers, responding to a local report, quickly arrived, cordoned off the site, and deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to secure and sweep the area.

He added that early findings show the two victims, who were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred, were scrap‑metal scavengers: Hyginus Akalonu, 32, from Umulumu, Ehime Mbano LGA, Imo State, and Victor Egwu, 22, from Agba, Ishielu LGA, Ebonyi State.

The spokesperson said the victims suffered severe burns and were immediately taken to Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Owerri, where they later died while receiving care.

The EOD Unit has begun a thorough investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the blast.

Okoye said updates would be provided as the investigation proceeds.

In response, State Police Commissioner CP Audu Garba Bosso reassured residents that the Command is fully addressing the situation.

He urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines.