Explosive Device Kills Police Office In Afikpo

Explosive Device Kills Police Office In Afikpo

By Joyce Aroh

There was panic in Afikpo as explosive device suspected to be a hand grenade killed a police officer named Idi Aminu, who was attached to the Afikpo police Division in Ebonyi State on Tuesday

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebonyi state police command, DSP Loveth Odah who confirmed the incidents, explained that the police officer mistakenly hit the device and it exploded and killed him.

She stressed that there was no bomb explosion in Ebonyi state, adding that the incident was an accident and that the public should not be thrown into unnecessary panic.

Chief Jasper Okoro, a retired veteran journalist and President General in the Afikpo community told news men that a number of residents of the area suspect that it was a bomb explosion.

He said the explosion was near their Eke Market and a primary school of which the casualty figure could have been more if the bearer of the explosive had reached the market or school.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi state Governor, Engr David Umahi also confirmed that the device was a grenade of security personnel and not a bomb as being speculated.

The Governor who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze said: “The above news is in sharp contrast to the reality as the incident was a grenade of a security personnel carrying out his duties at the said location that accidentally exploded. A similar incident equally occurred in front of the Ebonyi State Old Government House as some mobile police officers were servicing their APC machine. The first incident took the life of a passerby while the second caused injuries on the affected person, who has been taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment”.

“The general public is, therefore, charged to disregard the fake news as it is the handiwork of enemies of the state who are bent on causing panic where none exists”.

“Furthermore, Ebonyians and residents of Ebonyi State are reminded that generating and spreading of fake news aimed at causing panic in the state is actionable”.