Market Explosion Claims Woman’s Life, Injures Five Others in Awo-Idemili
Police Blame IPOB/ESN for Deadly Landmine Attack in Eke Ubaheze Market
Investigation Ongoing as Authorities Tighten Security, Declare Area Safe
An improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN militants detonated at Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo‑Idemili, Orsu LGA of Imo State, killing one and injuring five others, according to official police reports.
The explosion, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. on June 24, 2025, caused widespread panic in the local community. The deceased, a middle-aged woman identified as Ngozi Umeh, was reportedly the first to step on the explosive, triggering the blast.
Eyewitnesses initially claimed as many as six people were killed, but the Imo State Police Command clarified that one fatality was confirmed while five victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention.
Spokesman for the Command, Mr. Henry Okoye, said a full-scale investigation has been launched, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, promptly deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts, Tactical Teams, and officers from Orsu and Orlu Divisions to cordon off the market and clear the area of further threats.
“The area has since been declared safe and normal activities have resumed under tight security surveillance,” Okoye confirmed.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID has been directed to lead a detailed investigation to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.
The Commissioner commiserated with the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and rooting out criminal elements within the state.
Residents of Orsu and neighboring areas are urged to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities as security operations continue across the region.
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