Panic spread across Awo-Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State on Tuesday when a landmine exploded at the busy Eke Ubaheze Market Square, killing a woman and injuring five others.
The victim, identified as Mrs Ngozi Umeh from Ubaheze village, reportedly stepped on the explosive around 2:40 pm while trading was going on. Some locals claimed two people died in the blast, but police confirmed one death.
Spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said Mrs Umeh was rushed to a nearby hospital but died from her injuries. He added that the five injured people are still receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Okoye blamed the explosion on suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. He explained that the group is believed to have planted the device in the market.
“The explosion occurred when Ngozi Umeh, a middle-aged woman, stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN terrorists,” Okoye said. “She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
Following the explosion, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, ordered immediate deployment of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, alongside tactical teams from Orsu and Orlu divisions. The team cordoned off the area, evacuated victims, and searched for any additional explosives. The area was later declared safe and business resumed under police surveillance.
CP Danjuma also sent his condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured quick recovery. He vowed that the police would continue to hunt down those disturbing the peace in Orsu and across the state.
The police have asked residents to stay alert and report any strange items or movements to security officials. A special team from the State Criminal Investigation Department has also been directed to begin a full investigation to track those behind the attack.
