A suspected landmine explosion has killed one person and injured five others at Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed the life of a local trader identified as Ngozi Umeh, a resident of Ubaheze village. While some residents reported that two people were killed in the blast, police authorities confirmed a single fatality.
Speaking to journalists, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigations indicate that the explosive device was likely planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion occurred when Ngozi Umeh, a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village, stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN terrorists. She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital,” Okoye stated.
He added that five other individuals sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Following a distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and tactical teams to the area. Operatives from the Orsu and Orlu police divisions also joined the operation to evacuate victims and sweep the market for additional explosive devices.
According to the police, the market has since been declared safe, and normal trading activities have resumed under increased security presence.
