Policeman killed in Ebonyi explosion, not suicide bomber – PPRO
Police in Ebonyi have said the man killed in an explosion, on Tuesday, in Afikpo, in the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was not a suicide bomber.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Loveth Odah, said the victim of the blast was a policeman on duty in the area.
Odah said the policeman was a Mobile Police Officer on special deployment to Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The PPRO said the officer identified as Mr Idi Aminu, died as a result of an accidental hand grenade explosion.
The incident which occurred opposite Amizi Amangbala Primary School in Afikpo North and the popular Eke Market in the area, caused panic in the area as passersby scampered for safety.
Residents of the area had earlier said the victim was a suicide bomber, but the PPRO said he was an Inspector of Police.
“He mistakenly hit the lead of his grenade, which was hanging on his waist, with his elbow resulting in the deadly explosion,” she said.
She said that the police officer was an operative of MOPOL 32 and not a suicide bomber as being circulated on social media and other platforms.
The police spokesperson said the victim’s remains had been evacuated to a mortuary.