Umuneke, Mbieri – Fear has gripped residents of Umuneke community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State following a midnight explosion that destroyed a newly completed family home. The blast occurred late Saturday night, leaving the building in ruins but fortunately caused no casualties.
Eyewitnesses described the explosion as loud and unsettling, shaking the peaceful community. Iyke Njoku, a resident, recounted, “The sound was massive, and it left a deafening bang. We hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, but when neighbors from nearby villages called to inquire about the source, we decided to investigate. That’s when we discovered the house reduced to rubble.”
The bungalow, recently completed by a couple intending to move in by February, now stands in ruins. “It’s heartbreaking,” Njoku added. “The couple worked tirelessly to build their dream home, and now all their efforts have been wasted.”
Another resident, Emma Emeka, echoed the sentiment, describing the blast as sudden and disorienting. “We were at home when the explosion happened,” he said. “It was so loud that everyone rushed outside, only to see the new building completely destroyed. Nobody knows what caused it or who might be responsible. We all slept uneasily, fearing a potential attack.”
The impact of the explosion was felt beyond Umuneke, with neighboring villages reporting the sound and expressing concern over its source. Many residents remain on edge, worried about their safety in light of the unexpected event.
Efforts to contact the state police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, for an official statement were unsuccessful, as his phone lines were unreachable at the time of filing this report.
The incident has left the community shaken, raising questions about security and safety. Investigations are anticipated to determine the cause of the explosion and restore peace of mind to residents.
Stay connected with Hobnob News for updates on this developing story.
