A landmine explosion has killed a market woman and injured five others at the Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The incident occurred around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday when a middle-aged woman, identified as Ngozi Umeh from Ubaheze village, accidentally stepped on a landmine.

The police suspect the landmine was planted by operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He said Umeh was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Five other individuals injured in the blast are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.

Okoye said preliminary investigations suggest that the landmine was planted by suspected members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN.

He added that the state police commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, promptly deployed operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to the scene. The area was swept for additional explosives and subsequently declared safe.

Okoye also noted that normal business activities have resumed in the market, now under heightened police surveillance to ensure the safety of traders and residents.

The statement read, “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 terrorist.

“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 Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, swiftly deployed operatives of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal 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.”

“The Imo police boss, Danjuma, has commiserated with the family of Mrs Umeh and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims,” Okoye said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to weed out all criminals threatening the peace of Orsu and Imo State as a whole.

He, however, assured the state that adequate security measures had been put in place against a recurrence, adding that they should go about their lawful activities.

He called on Imo people to strongly report any suspicious items, persons, or movements to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency number 08034773600.