The Imo State Police Command has restored peace and order in Obinwanne Community, Njaba LGA, after a bomb explosion rocked the area, killing the carrier and injuring two others.

A press statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, stated that the community was thrown into panic following the incident, but the swift intervention of police personnel restored normalcy.

He explained that operatives from the Njaba Divisional Headquarters received a distress call alerting them to the incident, which led to the immediate mobilisation of officers to the scene.

It was confirmed that the blast was caused by an explosive device carried by one Mr Chinworeke Mmadu from Ebonyi State, which detonated prematurely, leading to fatal injuries that later claimed his life.

According to the statement, two passers-by who sustained injuries were rushed to Santa Maria Hospital, where they remain in stable condition.

“In furtherance of the response, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Hamzat A. Abdulkadir, visited the scene with operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, Unit. The area was carefully swept and has been declared safe for public use,” he added.

Okoye further disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the deceased was carrying the explosive device, and inquiries are ongoing to determine his motive and possible affiliations.

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, while responding to the development, wished the injured victims a speedy recovery and assured Imo residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He also urged members of the public to remain calm, be security-conscious, and provide timely information to aid security efforts.

Danjuma further advised the public to report any suspicious item or object to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines for prompt action.