At least one person has died and five people are seriously injured after a landmine exploded in the Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, located in Orsu Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.
The state’s police spokesperson, Henry Okoye revealed that the incident took place on Tuesday, June 24 around 2:40 p.m.
Okoye mentioned that the landmine is suspected to have been planted by operatives of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He stated that the deceased victim identified as Ngozi Umeh suffered critical injuries in the blast and later passed away in the hospital.
Okoye also noted that the five individuals who were wounded are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital.
He said, “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 terrorist.
“She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.”
The police spokesperson also revealed that the state’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Aboki Danjuma, had ordered the deployment of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and tactical teams to the site.
Okoye mentioned that officers from both the Orsu and Orlu divisions were also mobilized to help evacuate the victims and check the market area for additional explosives.
He noted that the market has since been cleared and declared safe, and business activities have resumed with increased security presence.
Danjuma expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements in Orsu and across the state.
Okoye reassured the public that appropriate security measures had been implemented to prevent further incidents.
He encouraged residents to carry on with their daily routines without fear and to report any suspicious activity, individuals, or objects to the nearest police station or via the emergency line: 08034773600.
Okoye finally stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been instructed to launch a full investigation to uncover and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
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