Rivers Of Crisis: Police Tighten Security Around Hospital Where Explosion Detonator Suspect Was Nabbed

The prime suspect in the failed detonation of an explosive device outside the perimeter fence of Hotel Presidential on the Port Harcourt-Aba Motorway during a protest on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has been apprehended, revived and is now receiving intensive care at the State University Teaching Hospital.

The suspect is said to be a member of a group of protesters loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and supporters of former elected local government chairmen whose terms expired at midnight on June 17, 2024, and who have been calling for tenure extensions.

This is because officers and men from the Rivers State Police Command had installed tight security in and around the facility as part of their mandate to protect law-abiding citizens, particularly patients and facility staff.

Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, the state Commissioner for Health, told reporters at the facility on Tuesday night that as soon as the State Government learned of the incident, it immediately alerted the Ministry of Health and all medical facilities in the state to be on the lookout for patients with suspected blast-related injuries.

Dr. Oreh stated that the severely injured patient was brought into the facility by some people who claimed he was taken from a road traffic accident scene, but that upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the injuries were unrelated to any road traffic accident.

She stated that the patient was immediately taken into custody and revived, and that the appropriate authorities were promptly notified of the situation.

Dr. Oreh added that, despite the patient’s critical condition, all necessary medical attention has been provided.

She stated, “The State Government issued a call on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, to all owners of medical facilities in the State, both public and private, regarding a failed attempt to detonate an explosive at the axis of Hotel Presidential.

“The reason for this was to be vigilant, with a heightened sense of alert and a high index of suspicion, if any individual presented himself at any of the medical facilities with an injury suggestive of a traumatic amputation of an upper limb.”

“After that call, our medical facilities across the state were on high alert.

“So, when a young man was brought to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) with alleged injuries sustained during what was said to be a road accident, the medical personnel on hand to examine him and offer medical care were on alert, and immediately recognised that the injuries seen on the individual were not in tandem with a road traffic accident, but rather resembled injury that would have resulted from a blast.”

Dr. Oreh stated that medical personnel were doing everything possible to ensure that the suspect was stable and responded appropriately to the medical care given to him.

She explained that several people were seen who helped bring the suspect to the medical facility but then left, except for one person who stayed behind to watch over the suspect.

Dr. Oreh stated that the management of RSUTH and the State Government were working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which had been notified and was already investigating the incident and suspect.

She stated: “The individual was taken to the theatre for immediate resuscitation because he was semi-conscious when he was brought in, but the medical personnel did what was necessary and immediately informed the Rivers State Government.

“They immediately informed the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and the Rivers State Ministry of Health of that individual’s presence in the facility, even as they provided emergency medical care to revive and resuscitate him.”

Speaking further, Dr. Oreh stated, “He is currently stable. We are working with the Rivers State Police Command to secure the hospital, fences, and perimeters.

“The patient is currently receiving medical treatment. He is stable, and the police are doing their part by conducting the necessary investigations.