Police: Officer killed in accidental explosion in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi police command says one of its officers was killed in an explosion that occurred near a primary school in the state on Tuesday.

The incident happened around 11am at an area close to the Amaizu/Amangbala primary school.

There was panic as residents scampered for safety.

Residents, who witnessed the incident, claimed the victim was seen around the school premises, and not long afterwards, there was an explosion.

There had been earlier speculations that the explosion was the work of a suicide bomber.

However, Loveth Odah, the Ebonyi police command spokesperson, said there was no incident of suicide bombing in the state.

She told NAN that the explosion was an accident involving tear gas.

“There is no bomb explosion in Ebonyi, but regrettably, this morning, one of our mobile police personnel attached to Afikpo on special duty was wounded by tear gas,” Odah said.

“The officer mistakenly hit a tear gas hung on his belt, and unfortunately, the device exploded and wounded him and he died.

“The lifeless body, the man in the picture, is inspector Idi Aminu, attached to 32 PMF Abakaliki, but on special duty at Afikpo.

“So, there is no bomb blast or explosion in Ebonyi. The general public should disregard the information.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated in view of new information from the Ebonyi police command, stating that the explosion was the result of an accident involving tear gas, and not the work of a suicide bomber.