The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person following a deadly explosion triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday and claimed the life of a middle-aged woman, identified as Ngozi Umeh, who reportedly stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to the police, Umeh sustained critical injuries from the explosion and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Five other individuals also suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed specialized units—including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and tactical squads—to cordon off the area, evacuate victims, and conduct a thorough search for additional explosive devices.
“The area has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under enhanced security measures,” the command stated.
Commissioner Danjuma also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead a full-scale investigation aimed at apprehending those responsible for the attack.
While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, Danjuma wished the injured a swift recovery and reassured the residents of Orsu and Imo State at large of the Command’s unwavering resolve to eliminate criminal elements.
“The Command remains fully committed to ridding the state of all threats to peace and security,” he emphasized.
