PANIC gripped residents of Awo-Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State following an explosion at the Eke Ubaheze Market that left one person dead and five others injured.
The incident occurred on June 24, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., when a middle-aged woman, Ngozi Umeh, reportedly stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by operatives of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to eyewitness accounts, the blast caused widespread confusion and injuries within the bustling marketplace. While multiple local sources initially claimed six fatalities, the Imo State Police Command confirmed only one death.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye stated, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosive detonated when Ngozi Umeh, a female resident of Ubaheze village, accidentally stepped on the landmine. She was fatally injured and later died in hospital. Five others are currently receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries.”
Following a distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, promptly deployed operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Tactical Teams, and divisions from Orsu and Orlu to secure the area and ensure no additional explosive devices remained.
“The market has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under heightened security,” Okoye added. “The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been tasked with leading a full investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.”
Commissioner Danjuma extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that the Command remains committed to restoring peace and eliminating criminal threats in the region.
Residents of Orsu and surrounding communities are urged to remain calm and vigilant, as the police continue to maintain a strong security presence to prevent future incidents.