Governor Hope Uzodinma
At least one person has been confirmed dead and five others injured following an explosion caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Eke Ubaheze Market in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said the incident occurred on Tuesday, June 24, when a middle-aged woman, identified as Ngozi Umeh, reportedly stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Okoye said investigations into the explosion have commenced.
“The Imo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation following an unfortunate incident that occurred on June 24, 2025, at about 2:30pm at Eke Ubaheze Market Square, Awo-Idemili, Orsu LGA, where an IED detonated, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to five others,” the statement read.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the explosion occurred when Ngozi Umeh, a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village, stepped on the landmine.
“She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital. Five others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.”
Following a distress call, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, deployed operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Tactical Teams, and officers from Orsu and Orlu Divisions to cordon off the area, evacuate victims, and sweep the vicinity for additional explosives.
“The area has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under heightened security surveillance,” the police added.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has also been directed to lead a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The Commissioner of Police extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He assured residents of Orsu LGA and the entire state of the command’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements and restoring peace.
Residents were urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, as adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.
