Rivers police confirm explosion in PH, say device locally made

The police in Rivers State have confirmed the explosion that rocked a part of Port Harcourt, the state capital. No life was lost.

In an incident report made available to newsmen in the evening of Monday, May 31, 2021, the police spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni, said the explosion took place at about 6.20 am (Monday) when early traders were trying to set shop at the popular Mile 3 motor park and market.

“A locally fabricated dynamite exploded when one Mrs Ifemia Aloke, popularly known as ‘Mama Joy’, opened her fish shop, inflicting injuries on her son and one other young lady who are currently receiving medical attention. No life was lost in the incident,” the police report said.

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“The Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) was immediately dispatched to the scene to sweep and render the entire market safe. Normal trading activities resumed immediately.

“In the meantime, the Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident with a view to ascertaining the cause of the explosion and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He wishes to reassure the good people of the state that the state is generally calm and they should go about their lawful activities uninterrupted and without fear of molestation from any quarters,” it said.