Two suspected scrap metal scavengers have died after an explosion inside a drainage channel along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. on Thursday near Lakeside Hotel, according to the Imo State Police Command.
Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said officers, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, responded to the scene, secured the area and carried out a thorough search before declaring it safe.
Preliminary findings identified the victims as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu from Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The police said the two men, believed to be scrap metal scavengers, were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred. They sustained severe burns and were taken to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead.
The command said its Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has begun an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, said the situation is under control and assured residents that there is no threat to public safety, as the affected area has been secured.
He also urged members of the public to report suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency lines.
