Teenagers launch locally made rocket in Imo State

The Imo State Police Command has called on
residents of Umuchime Ubahu community in Okigwe local government area
to remain calm and resume their normal business as the command’s anti
bomb squad has deactivated a propelled rocket. The command added that the
element has been certified and it does not contain any toxic or radio-active
material. The community was thrown into pandemonium few days ago when

17 year old Gideon Emenike, a secondary school graduate designed and
launched a propelled rocket meant for space but accidentally travelled about 5
kilometers and landed in a compound with heavy explosion causing residents
of the area to scamper for safety. While on inspection to the compound
where the rocket landed, the state Police Commissioner Mohammed Katsina
said on getting the information of the incident, the command anti bomb
squad swung into action to detect the location. He exonerated the boy of any
criminal or terrorist intentions. He further praised the boy’s skill insisting it
was a prowess in science and technology. He however said preliminary
investigations showed that even as the teenagers were reckless in their
conduct, they had neither criminal motive nor terrorist intentions, rather
they are adventurous and skilful teenagers who are gifted in science and
technology. The police anti bomb squad deactivated the element which they
said does not contain any toxic or radioactive substance before forcefully
pulling out the element from the ground and kept it in their custody. 17 year
old Gideon Emenike told journalists that he does not have any criminal
intentions but his love for science and technology especially in the area of
aeronautics engineering spurred him and his partner to develop the said
rocket having represented his school in various science exhibitions and won
various awards but could not continue with their education due to lack of
financial support. Meanwhile, as the Eid el Kabir period approaches, the state
police command has implored members of the public not to hesitate to report
any suspicious movement of persons or criminal assembly to the police
accordingly so as to ensure that the state remains peaceful during the festive
period.