Delta State Speaker, Victor Ochei, narrowly escaped been assassinated when an explosive device went off at a public function he was attending. The incident happened at Obomkpa in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
A young woman was, however, injured but the Speaker was unhurt.
Ochei, who was on a routine visit to his Aniocha North Constituency, had barely finished exchanging pleasantries with his supporters at the Eke Market square venue, when a loud explosion threw the crowd into pandemonium.
An eye witness said the canon which was aimed at the Speaker’s seat was only inhibited by a row of chairs.
It was also gathered that the projectile were wrapped in white satin materials, which made early detection difficult as the chairs and tables were also decorated in white materials.
The victim, whose left ankle was fragmented as a result of the explosion, was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, by the Speaker’s pilot vehicle.
She was subsequently transferred to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara for further medical attention and is said to be in a stable condition just as doctors are battling to avert amputation.
A suspect is in police custody in connection with the incident.