Police in Imo State say they are investigating the motive of a man who died after an explosive device he was carrying detonated in the Umuaka area of Njaba Local Government.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 21 September, at around 12:30 pm in Obinwanne Community. The victim, identified as Chinworeke Mmadu from Ebonyi State, sustained fatal injuries when the device went off prematurely.
Two passersby were injured in the blast and are currently receiving treatment at Santa Maria Hospital. Police confirmed their conditions remain stable.
According to Imo State Police Command spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye, officers from Njaba Division responded immediately after receiving a distress call, securing the area and restoring calm.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists were deployed to sweep the site, with Deputy Commissioner of Police for Operations, Hamzat Abdulkadir, personally overseeing the operation. Authorities later declared the area safe.
Preliminary findings suggest Mmadu was carrying the explosive device at the time of detonation, but investigators are yet to determine his intentions or whether he was linked to any wider network.
Imo State Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma, wished the injured victims a swift recovery and reassured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or objects to the nearest police station, stressing that timely information is key to preventing further incidents.
