PANIC IN IMO: One Dead, Others Injured As Suspected Bomb Explosion Rocks Njaba Community

A wave of fear swept through Obinwanne community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) went off, killing one person on the spot and leaving at least two others critically injured.

The victim, identified as Chinworeke Mmadu, was reportedly carrying the device when it detonated, shattering his legs and leaving bystanders scrambling for safety. A chilling video of the aftermath, which quickly circulated on social media, showed the deceased writhing in agony before succumbing to his injuries.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the deceased may have been attempting to plant the explosive in a nearby market before it went off prematurely. Some community members further linked him to a terror group allegedly masquerading as pro-Biafra agitators, although authorities have yet to confirm this claim.

In a statement, the spokesman of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said:

> “Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was carrying the device when it exploded prematurely. Operatives from Njaba Divisional Headquarters immediately mobilised to the scene.”



He disclosed that two passers-by caught in the blast were rushed to the hospital, while the area was swiftly cordoned off by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Hamzat Abdulkadir. The scene was later declared safe.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo, Aboki Danjuma, commiserated with the victims’ families, prayed for the quick recovery of those injured, and reassured residents of the Command’s readiness to protect lives and property.

He also appealed for calm, urging the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to forestall further tragedies.

The incident has left the community shaken, with many residents now fearful of renewed threats of violence in the area.