A suspect who accidentally detonated a dynamite near the Presidential Hotel on the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway during a protest was apprehended on Tuesday.
The individual, part of a group of protesters allegedly hired by former local government chairmen and associates of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, was found and arrested at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt.
The incident occurred amidst a protest purportedly organised by Wike’s loyalists in support of the occupation of the 23 LGA secretariats by the police.
However, it remains unclear if the explosion happened during this specific protest.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, confirmed the incident, describing it as a malicious attempt to detonate an explosive.
She revealed that the suspect was found receiving treatment at the state hospital by Tuesday night.
“When a young man was brought to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital with alleged injuries sustained during what was said to be a road traffic accident, the medical personnel quickly identified that the injuries resembled blast wounds rather than those from a traffic accident,” Dr. Oreh said.
“The individual was semi-conscious upon arrival but was taken to the theatre for resuscitation.”
Dr. Oreh explained that the medical team immediately informed the Rivers State government, the Commissioner of Police, and the Ministry of Health about the situation.
“He is currently stable, and we are working closely with the Rivers State Police Command. The hospital premises have been secured, and the patient is undergoing medical treatment,” she added.
When asked about how the suspect was brought to the hospital given his severe injuries, Dr. Oreh said, “Several individuals brought him in. One remains with him while the others quickly left the facility. We are collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, who are conducting their investigations.”
The protest, mobilised by the 23 former local government chairmen, followed a disagreement with the Rivers State government over the expiration of their tenure and the appointment of a caretaker committee to replace them.
