The Ebony State Police Command and the State Government have denied reports of a suicide bomb attack in Afikpo, Ebony state, saying it was an accidental grenade explosion. This comes after it was widely reported that a suicide bomber had on Tuesday blown himself to pieces when a suicide vest he was wearing exploded on his body.
The incident was said to have happened in Afikpo town, Afikpo local government area of Ebonyi state.
A source in the area said the incident happened around 12noon.
“He made an attempt at entering Amaizu/ Amangballa Primary School but was turned back by the school security since he couldn’t justify his reason for visiting. He immediately started running inside a nearby bush before a big bang was heard,” the source said.
The source also said residents scampered for safety when the bomb exploded but reconvened at the scene of the incident few minutes after only to discover the suspected suicide bomber laying dead in the pull of his own blood.
The resident who noted that the incident happened close to the Eke Market Afikpo which is said to be the biggest market in the area hinted that there is tension and panic in the community.
It was gathered that the upper part of the suspected suicide bomber’s body was completely destroyed from the impact of the bomb.
In a statement released on Tuesday 25th May 2021, by Francis Nwaze who is the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Governor, said:
“My attention has been drawn to a news making the round in some section of the media that there was an explosion of a suicide bomb in Afikpo, Ebonyi State this afternoon.
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.