Security sources, according to Zagazola Makama, said the incident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. on April 24 during a fighting patrol involving troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) and local hunters in Gombi Local Government Area.

The patrol team was said to have operated around Member Farm and Dogon Kuka areas before the incident happened while they were returning along the Garkida–Gombi axis.

It was gathered that the explosion was triggered when one of the hunters stepped on a primed rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tube inside the patrol vehicle.

“One of the hunters reportedly stepped on a primed RPG tube inside the gun truck, causing a partial explosion,” a source said.

The victim sustained a severe fracture to his left leg and was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

However, he later died as a result of injuries sustained in the blast.

Speaking with journalists in Owerri on Saturday, the aspirant rejected criticisms questioning her origin and political aspiration in the state.

She said, “People ask where I come from and question my marital status, but marriage does not erase one’s heritage.

“My name is Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu. I cannot drop the Anyanwu. That name defined me long before marriage.”

Akeredolu, who is seeking the Labour Party ticket, said her decision to run is driven by the need to address what she described as a leadership gap in the senatorial district.

“What Ndi Owerri need now is quality representation, and I am ready to provide it,” she said.

“I am not coming to take from the people. This is about delivering the real dividends of democracy.”

She also criticised what she called a disconnect between lawmakers and grassroots governance, warning against lawmakers taking on responsibilities that belong to local government officials.

“Senators have no business building town halls. That is the duty of councillors and local government chairmen,” she said.

On her priorities, Akeredolu pledged to sponsor legislation focused on breast cancer awareness and improved access to treatment.

“Too many women are dying because they lack awareness or cannot afford care. Legislation can help save lives,” she noted.

She said her return to active politics was motivated by the desire to make a broader impact through public office.

“Private initiatives can only do so much, but public office allows you to shape policy and reach more people,” she added.

Akeredolu also advocated greater inclusion of women in politics, saying her decision to join the Labour Party was influenced by its leadership structure.

“I believe in women stepping forward. That is part of what attracted me to this platform,” she said.

She previously contested the Imo East senatorial seat in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but is now seeking the seat again under the Labour Party.

He made this known during an interview on News Central on Saturday, April 25, 2026, where he criticised what he described as lawmakers’ misinterpretation of the Constitution. According to him, elected legislators are not legally empowered to fix their own remuneration.

Obasanjo noted that allowing such a practice raises serious concerns about accountability in public office, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic challenges. He warned that it could encourage abuse of power and erode public confidence in government.

“The elected members of the National Assembly have no right to fix their own salary; they don’t have that right, and it is not provided for in the Constitution,” he said.

He further cautioned that disregarding constitutional boundaries could create a system where public officials prioritise personal gains over service to the people. He emphasised that strict adherence to the law is essential for transparency and fairness in governance.

Obasanjo added that the matter goes beyond salary issues, stressing that respect for the Constitution is crucial to preventing future challenges in the country’s leadership structure.