Two ex-pupils of the Federal Government College, Okigwe, Imo State have caused a stir in Umuchime Ubahu community in Okigwe Local Government, with the launch of a “rocket” they built from local materials.

The rocket, which was supposed to travel five kilometers, went further than programmed and landed in a residential area with heavy explosion, causing a stampede.

The residents of the house where the rocket landed, alerted the police, thinking it was a bomb.

Commissioner of Police Muhammad Musa Katsina, however, dispelled fears of terrorism, saying the “amateur scientists”, who launched the home-made rocket, did not intend any harm.

Katsina, however, urged the residents to remain security conscious and repot suspicious movements to the police.

The police boss, who briefed reporters said there was a bomb scare in the community when the twos science students launched their rocket.

He said police investigation showed that there was no criminal intent, adding that it was a case of innovation and adventure.

He said that though the teenagers were reckless in their conduct, they had neither criminal motive nor terrorist intentions.  Rather they are adventurous and skilful teenagers who re gifted in science and technology.

“There was no terrorism motive in the act.  We enjoin people to go about their activities without fear”, Katsina said.

He went on: “The manufacturers of this rocket are not terrorists; they are rather talented science pupils keen on developing their scientific skills.  They should be encouraged.

“The rocket has been deactivated and is safe.  The components as discovered by the Police Bomb Disposal Unit do not contain any radioactive or toxic element.

“Because the boys intended no harm, no punitive measures will be taken.  I will rather recommend that they be encouraged so that they can achieve greater things”.

The teenage scientists Gideon Emenike and Amechi Ngbemere asked for Federal Government’s sponsorship to enable them improve on heir skills.

Comments

comments