The Nigerian Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt Barracks, has called on members of the public to exercise caution in handling Unexploded Ordnance, noting that such sensitive, military-grade explosives require technical expertise.
This follows the discovery of an Unexploded Ordnance at Oromeruzimagu Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the explosive device was discovered by community members, “while digging a grave for the burial of a deceased in a compound.”
According to the army, the explosive device was removed by the locals and placed in an air-conditioned room to prevent detonation.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma advised the public to report such discoveries to the nearest security agency and to avoid the dangerous practice of self-help.
He added, “This cautionary notice becomes necessary in view of the devastating impact such high trajectory weapons could have on the environment.
“While, the Division appreciates the promptness with which the case was reported.
“It is however, important to reemphasize that such discoveries should be reported appropriately.”
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the community members for their efforts in the reported case and “reassured the good people of the Niger Delta Region that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure safe evacuation of such items by trained personnel of the Division.”