A deadly explosion shook the town of Sapele on the evening of October 8, 2024, claiming the life of one person and injuring several others.
The incident occurred around 6 PM at a dump site along Mission Road, a location commonly used by local scavengers searching for discarded items to sell.
Eyewitnesses claimed the explosion was caused by a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), which may have been inadvertently brought to the dump site by one of the scavengers.
It was learned that the deceased in the blast was of Northern origin, and his body was severely dismembered in the explosion, the two others that suffered serious injuries were residents living close to the dump and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Read also: Rivers police unseal 23 LGA Secretariats after IGP’s directive
The explosion has caused shock waves in the community as the police authorities in Sapele swung into action to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
A senior police officer, who sought anonymity said that the explosion may have been triggered when a scavenger unknowingly brought a dangerous item, mistaking it for scrap metal.
Community leaders have blamed the incident on too many dump sites in residential areas.
One of the leaders who does not want his name in print disposed that there are more than 15 dump sites scattered throughout Sapele town.
