The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that it has restored peace and calm to the Obinwanne Community in Njaba Local Government Area, following a bomb explosion that killed one person and injured two others.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Henry Okoye, the incident, which occurred earlier this week, threw the community into confusion and fear, but swift police response helped to prevent further chaos.
“The community was thrown into panic, but the swift intervention of police personnel from Njaba Division brought the situation under control and restored normalcy,” the statement said.
The explosion was reportedly triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED) being carried by a man identified as Mr Chinworeke Mmadu, a native of Ebonyi State.
According to police reports, the bomb detonated prematurely, causing fatal injuries to Mr Mmadu, who later died from the blast.
Two passers-by who were close to the scene at the time of the explosion also sustained injuries. They were quickly rushed to Santa Maria Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed they are in stable condition and responding to treatment.
Following the initial emergency response, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Hamzat A. Abdulkadir, led a team of officers, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, to the site of the blast.
The EOD team conducted a thorough sweep of the area to ensure there were no other explosive devices or related threats.
“The area has now been declared safe for public use,” said DSP Okoye, urging residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.
Police say preliminary investigations have confirmed that the deceased, Mr Mmadu, was the carrier of the explosive device, though his motive and potential affiliations are still unknown.
The police command has launched a full investigation to uncover why he was in possession of the explosive, where it came from, and whether he was working alone or as part of a group.
“We are investigating all possible angles, including the origin of the explosive and any criminal network that might be involved,” the police spokesperson added.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, has assured residents of the police command’s continued efforts to protect lives and property.
He extended his sympathies to the injured victims and praised the officers who responded swiftly to the incident.
“We wish those injured a speedy recovery and reassure the public that our officers are working round the clock to keep our communities safe,” CP Danjuma said.
He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and security-conscious, especially in public places and gatherings. He advised that any suspicious item, object, or person should be reported immediately to the nearest police station.
“The public should not touch or move suspicious items. Instead, report them through the Command’s emergency lines so that trained personnel can respond,” the Commissioner advised.
The explosion adds to growing security concerns in parts of Imo State, which in recent years has witnessed sporadic violence linked to criminal gangs and unknown gunmen.
The police have continued to carry out operations to dismantle criminal hideouts and improve surveillance in rural areas like Njaba, Orlu, and surrounding communities.
While this latest explosion does not appear to be connected to a wider terror plot, the police say they are not ruling anything out and are treating the case with the highest level of seriousness.
The Imo State Police Command has urged residents to stay informed, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid spreading false information that could incite fear or panic.
“We call on all residents to continue supporting law enforcement efforts. Our goal is to ensure that Imo remains safe for everyone,” the police statement concluded.
