Bomb Explosion Kills One, Injures Five at Imo Market

A bomb explosion caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, killed one woman and injured five others on Tuesday around 11 a.m. The deceased, Mrs. Ngozi Umeh, reportedly stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The blast caused significant damage to market structures, reducing some stalls to rubble and creating a scene described by eyewitnesses as horrific, with bodies and injured victims scattered across the market. The police quickly responded by deploying Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units and tactical teams to secure the area, evacuate victims, and sweep for additional explosives. The market has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under increased security surveillance.

The Imo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation to apprehend those responsible. The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery, reiterating the command’s commitment to restoring peace in the area.

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Despite some reports suggesting multiple fatalities, official police statements confirm one death and five injuries as of now. The incident has heightened fears in the community, which has been troubled by insecurity and violent attacks in recent years.