May 08, (THEWILL) – The Imo State Police Command has commenced full investigation into the causes of the explosion that occurred at Izombe, in Oguta Local Government Area of the State.
In a press statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSP Michael Abattam, noted that sequel to a report it received on May 4, 2022 at about 0645 hours, from the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of ADDAA Flow Station, Izombe in Oguta LGA that on the same day at about 0145 hours, a loud explosion was heard outside the company’s premises, making them suspect an attack on the its facilities.
“On receipt of this information, the Command’s Tactical Teams and the Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD-CBRN), were immediately dispatched to the scene at Izombe where on arrival the lifeless body of a young man suspected to be a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was seen with his two hands cut off,” the statement said.
According to the statement, upon close observation it was discovered that the bomb suddenly detonated and exploded resulting in the death of the young man and others suspected to be fatally injured in the blast.
The Bomb Unit took charge of the scene, carefully sweeping the area and beyond. In the process, three more Improvised Explosives Devices where recovered.
“One has been detonated and the other two specifically constructed with GSM phones were attached to them and will only explode when the configured number is dialed were still intact.
“After an assessment of the scene of the incident, it was discovered that the distance between the oil tanks, pipelines and where the explosion occurred was about five meters. It is suspected that the target of the hoodlums planned to attack the company’s facilities before they met their waterloo,” the statement read.
The police said it has beefed up security in the area, adding that it is working assiduously in synergy with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, commended people of the state for their unalloyed support to the Command and appealed for calm.
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