From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Two traders from Eke Ubaheze Market square in Awo Idemili ,Orsu Local Government , Imo State were killed in an early morning explosion in the area on Tuesday .
A witness ,who disclosed this to our correspondent said an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted in the market by some hoodlums a day before the incident that was eventually detonated killing two traders and injuring unspecified number of people.
However, responding to the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Henry Okoye, who confirmed the story, claimed that only one trader was killed.
He disclosed that the police have taken over the scene to avert escalating issues.
Narrating the cause the incident, Okoye said, “preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion occurred when Ngozi Umeh , a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village, stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by mwmbw of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) and is Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorists.
“She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, swiftly deployed operatives of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Tactical Teams, and personnel from Orsu and Orlu police divisions to cordon off the area, evacuate victims, and sweep the market vicinity for any other planted IEDs”.
So far, Okoye affirmed that the area has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under enhanced security surveillance.
He added that 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.
Okoye said the CP has commiserated with the family of late Ngozi Umeh, and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims.
He also assured the good people of Orsu LGA and Imo state at large that the Command remained resolute in its determination to root out 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 an ugly incident.”
