Six people were reportedly killed by an improvised explosive device planted at Eke Ubaheze Market in Awo‑Idemili, Orsu LGA, Imo State.
The explosion sparked confusion and widespread fear in Ubaheze and nearby communities.
The device detonated just after a middle‑aged woman, identified as Ngozi Umeh, unknowingly stepped on it.
Multiple sources in the village confirmed six fatalities and many injuries following the blast.
Reacting, however, to the incident, Imo Police Command’s spokesman, Mr Henry Okoye, stated that only one person was killed, with five others sustaining varying injuries.
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He also said that an investigation into the market explosion has commenced.
His words: “The Imo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation, following an unfortunate incident that occurred on June 24, 2025, about 14:30 hours, at Eke Ubaheze Market Square, Awo-Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area, Imo State, where an IED detonated, resulting in the death of one person and injury to five others.
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 terrorists.
“She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital, while five others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, swiftly deployed operatives of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, Unit, Tactical Teams, and personnel from Orsu and Orlu Divisions, to cordon off the area, evacuate victims, and sweep the market vicinity for any other planted IEDs.
“The area has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under enhanced security surveillance.
“In addition, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, has been directed to commence a comprehensive investigation aimed at unmasking and apprehending the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police commiserates with the family of the deceased, late Ngozi Umeh, and prays for the quick recovery of the injured victims.
“He also assures the good people of Orsu LGA and Imo State at large that the command remains resolute in its determination to root out all criminal elements threatening the peace of the state.
“Residents of Orsu and surrounding communities are urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, as adequate security measures have been emplaced to forestall any recurrence of such incident.”