Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in Imo, said in a statement
that the incident occurred at about 12:30 pm on Wednesday.

Okoye noted that operatives from the Njaba divisional
headquarters responded immediately after receiving a distress call.

He added that the incident also left two passersby injured,
noting that the police explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit had swept the
area and declared it safe.

“It was confirmed that the blast was caused by an explosive
device carried by Mr Chinworeke Mmadu, which detonated prematurely, leading to
fatal injuries that later claimed his life,” the statement reads.

According to Okoye, enquiries are ongoing to determine the
victim’s motive and possible affiliations.

Aboki Danjuma, commissioner of police in Imo, commiserated
with the injured victims and urged residents to remain calm and security
conscious.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to report any
suspicious item or object to the nearest police station or through the
command’s emergency lines for prompt action,” Okoye quoted the commissioner as
saying.

Meanwhile, a villager who spoke on condition of anonymity
told TheCable that Mmadu was a scrap scavenger who operated within the
community.