Tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24, at the Eke Ubaheze market square in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, as an explosion claimed the life of a trader and left several others injured.
According to eyewitness reports, the blast was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) allegedly planted by unidentified hoodlums the previous day. The device detonated during market activity, causing widespread panic and casualties.
While initial reports from locals indicated that two people were killed, the Imo State Police Command has confirmed the death of one trader, identified as Ngozi Umeh, a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village. The police added that five others sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, in an official statement, blamed the attack on suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), allegedly acting under the directive of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion occurred when Ngozi Umeh stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN terrorists,” Okoye said. “She was critically injured and later died at the hospital.”
In response to the explosion, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, promptly deployed operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Tactical Teams, and officers from the Orsu and Orlu Divisions to secure the area, evacuate victims, and conduct a thorough sweep of the market for additional explosives.
Following the operation, the police declared the area safe and confirmed that normal market activities have resumed under heightened security presence.
CP Danjuma has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a full investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
He also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The police further assured residents of Orsu LGA and the broader Imo State community that stringent measures are being enforced to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“Residents are urged to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities. The command remains fully committed to eliminating criminal threats and maintaining peace in the state,” Okoye concluded.
