The Police Command in Edo State disclosed that it had successfully detonated a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in an oil well operated by Dubri Oil Company Limited in Gelegele, Ovia North West Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike, told journalists that a team of police ordinance detectives and tactical operatives successfully detonated and recovered the explosive devise on Sunday.
The commissioner stated that a preliminary report issued by IED experts indicated that two undetonated objects suspected to be IED were placed in the oil wellhead, adding that two sacks containing Amfo, a mixture of Ammonium Nitrate and fuel, were tied to the facility.
Ezike explained that a close examination of the IED showed that they contained two detonators, a strand of cortex, dylatine, power source and firing cable.
The commissioner said ”On July 10, at 10 am, the command received information that an object suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device was planted in an oil wellhead at Gelegele oil field in Ovia North West LGA of Edo State.
“Consequently, a team of Explosives Ordinance Detectives backed by Tactical Operatives were despatched to the scene.” Ezike reassured members of the public that there is no need to panic stating that the command had reinforced both overt and covert security in the area and is poised to protect lives, property and ensure safety and security of the citizenry.