Market Bomb Blast Kills Six in Imo, Police Confirm One Fatality

A deadly explosion ripped through Eke Ubaheze Market in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, reportedly killing six people and injuring several others on Wednesday.

According to eyewitnesses, panic erupted across Ubaheze and nearby villages when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated shortly after a woman, identified as Ngozi Umeh, unknowingly stepped on it.

Local sources confirmed that six people died on the spot, with many others sustaining varying degrees of injury in the chaos that followed.

However, police are offering a different account. Speaking on the incident, Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated that only one person was confirmed dead, while five others were injured.

He added that a thorough investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion and urged residents to remain calm but vigilant.

The market, usually a bustling hub for rural trade, has since been deserted, with many families fleeing the area amid fears of further violence.

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.”