A bomb explosion, suspected to be a detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED), has rocked Ubeheze market in Awo Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, leaving one Mrs. Ngozi Umeh dead and five others severely injured.

The blast, which reportedly occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday as traders were opening their shops, sent shockwaves across the community and reduced parts of the market to rubble.

Reacting, the state Police Command spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, in a release made available to newsmen, said the command has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Okoye urged the traders and residents of the affected community and its environs to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, “as adequate security measures have been emplaced to forestall any recurrence of such incident.”

He disclosed that a preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion occurred when the deceased, a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village, stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN terrorists.

Okoye said, “Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, swiftly deployed operatives of the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Tactical Teams, and personnel from Orsu and Orlu Division to cordon off the area, evacuate victims, and sweep the market vicinity for any other planted IEDs.

“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.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to report any suspicious items, persons, or movements to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency number.”