Landmine Blast Kills Trader, Injures Five In Imo Market

A landmine explosion at Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, claimed the life of a trader and injured five others on Tuesday afternoon.

The blast occurred at about 2:40 p.m., killing Ngozi Umeh, a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village. While locals reported that two people died in the incident, police authorities confirmed only one fatality.

Henry Okoye, spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, said the explosion was caused by a landmine allegedly planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“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,” Okoye 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.”

Following a distress call, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma dispatched the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and tactical teams to the scene, alongside officers from Orsu and Orlu divisions, to secure the area and evacuate victims.

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“The market has since been declared safe and normal activities have resumed under heightened security,” Okoye stated.

The police extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured residents of intensified efforts to rid the area of criminal elements. A thorough investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.