One killed, five injured as landmine explodes in Imo market

A landmine exploded inside Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, Orsu LGA of Imo state on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring five others.

The blast, which occurred around 2:40pm, reportedly killed Ngozi Umeh, a trader from Ubaheze village.

Locals claimed the death toll stood at two, but police confirmed only one fatality.

According to PUNCH, Henry Okoye, spokesperson of the Imo police command, said the landmine was suspected to have been planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Okoye said Umeh was critically injured by the explosion and later died in hospital.

He added that the five injured victims are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion occurred when Ngozi Umeh ‘F’, a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village, stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN terrorist,” he said.

“She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.”

The police spokesperson said Aboki Danjuma, the state commissioner of police, deployed the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and tactical teams to the area following a distress call.

Personnel from Orsu and Orlu divisions also responded to evacuate victims and sweep the market for other explosive devices.

The police spokesperson said the market has since been declared safe and normal activities have resumed under heightened security.

Danjuma also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to rid Orsu and other parts of the state of criminal elements.

Okoye assured residents that measures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence, and urged them to go about their daily activities without fear.

He also advised the public to report suspicious persons, items, or movements to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency line — 08034773600.

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been directed to commence a thorough investigation to identify and arrest those behind the attack.