Orsu, Imo State –
A tragic explosion rocked the Eke Ubaheze Market in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria on Tuesday afternoon, killing one woman and injuring five others.
The victim, identified as Mrs. Ngozi Umeh, was stepping into the market square around 2:40 p.m. when she reportedly triggered an explosive device buried beneath the ground. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
Five other market-goers sustained varying degrees of injury from the blast and are currently receiving medical treatment.
In a statement released by the Imo State Police Command, spokesperson ASP Henry Okoye confirmed that preliminary investigations suggest the explosive was a landmine, allegedly planted by elements of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma expressed deep regret over the loss of life and immediately dispatched the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to secure and sweep the area. No additional explosives were found during the operation, and normal activities have cautiously resumed under heightened security.
“This is a cowardly act targeting innocent citizens,” CP Danjuma said. “We are working tirelessly to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”
He added that a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been mandated to carry out a full-scale investigation into the incident.
The police also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies via the emergency number: 08034773600.
Tuesday’s explosion highlights the ongoing threat posed by armed separatist groups in southeastern Nigeria, where sporadic attacks and the use of guerrilla tactics, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), have become increasingly common.
Authorities have pledged to intensify efforts to restore peace and security across Imo State and neighboring regions.