Residents of Oromeruzimagu community in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State discovered an unexploded ordnance while digging a grave for a deceased kinsman.
The explosive device was reportedly moved by the villagers into an air-conditioned room in an attempt to prevent detonation before they alerted the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, which later evacuated the item safely.
Reacting to the incident, the Spokesman of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, cautioned members of the public against handling military-grade explosives, stressing that such actions require technical expertise.
“This act calls for caution, as handling such sensitive military-grade ordnance requires technical capability. Members of the public are enjoined to report such discoveries to the nearest security agency and avoid resorting to the dangerous practice of self-help,” Danjuma stated.
He warned that the detonation of such high-trajectory weapons could have devastating effects on the environment and human lives.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the community for promptly reporting the discovery and assured residents of the Niger Delta region that the Army has adequate measures in place for the safe evacuation of such items by trained personnel.