Two 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 kilometres, went further
than programmed and landed in a
residential area, 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 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.”
The teenage scientists asked for Federal
Government’s sponsorship to enable
them improve on their skills.
They said they built the rocket as part of a
school exercise, which earned them a
second position in a competition.
They said they were inspired to launch
the rocket when they heard of the
National Space Development Agency’s
plan to launch a climate-monitoring
satellite into space next year.
Source : TheNationng
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 kilometres, went further
than programmed and landed in a
residential area, 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 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.”
The teenage scientists asked for Federal
Government’s sponsorship to enable
them improve on their skills.
They said they built the rocket as part of a
school exercise, which earned them a
second position in a competition.
They said they were inspired to launch
the rocket when they heard of the
National Space Development Agency’s
plan to launch a climate-monitoring
satellite into space next year.
Source : TheNationng
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