Science project gone awry: Panic in Imo as launched rocket lands in residential area

There was confusion in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State as two teenagers launched a rocket which landed in a residential area.

The boys, who are scientifically inclined students of the Federal Government College in the area, launched the device, which was part of a science project, causing residents of the Umuchime Ubahu community to think that it was a bomb. The rocket had been expected to reach a maximum distance on 5 kilometres from the launch site but it went farther than had been anticipated causing panic in the area in which it had landed.

Nigerian Eye reports:

    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 report suspicious movements to the police. The police boss, who briefed reporters yesterday, said there was a bomb scare in the community when the two 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.

    “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.”