Prime suspect in Rivers State failed explosive detonation has been apprehended at a hospital in the state.
The suspect whose name was not disclosed tried on Tuesday to detonate an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Hotel Presidential.
The Commissioner of Health Dr. Adaeze Oreh, who disclosed the arrest further said the suspect sought medical attention at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, claiming to be a victim of a road traffic accident.
She said medical personnel quickly identified injuries consistent with a blast and alerted the authorities, leading to the suspect’s capture.
Recall that the Dr Oreh, yesterday, had placed all medical facilities in the state, both public and privately owned facilities on alert for anybody who presents a traumatically dismembered upper-body injury at their facilities.
She noted that acting on the alert, medical personnel at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital quickly identified a young man brought in with suspicious injuries, contrary to the claimed road traffic accident.
“We made a call earlier today, alerting all medical facilities in the state to be vigilant for individuals with traumatic amputations, following a failed attempt to detonate an explosive at Hotel Presidential.
“When a young man was brought to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital with alleged injuries from a road traffic accident, our medical personnel were on high alert. They quickly recognized that his injuries were not consistent with a road accident, but rather resembled those from a blast.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police and the Ministry of Health are working together to ensure the suspect receives medical attention while in custody.
Also, she noted that the hospital had been secured, and one person who accompanied the suspect remained with him, while others fled the scene.
“The individual was immediately taken to the theatre for resuscitation, and we informed the Commissioner of Police and the Ministry of Health. He is currently stable, and we are working closely with the Rivers State Police Command. The hospital has been secured, and one person who accompanied him is still with him, while others fled the scene,” she explained.