- Safiu Kehinde
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed one person dead with five others injured in a tragic explosion at Eke Ubaheze Market Square, Awo-Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
The deceased female victim identified as Ngozi Umeh had reportedly stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) on Tuesday.
While she initially rescued and rushed to a hospital with severe injuries, Umeh unfortunately passed away confirmed by the police.
The five other victims also sustained various degrees of injuries during the incident and are receiving medical care.
In response to the incident, the Imo Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, deployed specialized teams, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and tactical squads, to secure the area, evacuate victims, and conduct a thorough sweep of the market to detect any other hidden explosives.
The area had however been declared safe, with normal activities resuming under tightened security surveillance.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, Danjuma directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous act.