By our reporter -Owerri
Fear and fury have engulfed Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State following a horrifying landmine explosion that claimed the life of a market woman and left five others battling for survival. The explosion, suspected to have been orchestrated by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militia, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), has once again shattered peace and security in the community already suffering from prolonged unrest.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday at Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, where innocent traders were going about their daily business. Ngozi Umeh, a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village, unknowingly stepped on the deadly device. The blast tore through the market, sending bodies flying and goods destroyed. She was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Five others sustained serious injuries in the explosion, their lives now hanging by a thread. Their identities and the location of treatment have been withheld due to safety concerns. The blast has left families in anguish and a community paralyzed by shock.
According to the Imo State Police Command, preliminary investigations strongly indicate that IPOB/ESN terrorists planted the landmine. The placement of such a deadly weapon in a public market—a place of commerce and social life—has sparked outrage and condemnation, with many demanding aggressive action against those who continue to endanger civilian lives with impunity.
Acting swiftly, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma ordered the deployment of operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, along with tactical teams from Orsu and Orlu Divisions. The area was sealed off, and a comprehensive sweep was carried out to uncover any additional explosive devices. Authorities have since declared the market square safe, but security measures remain on high alert to prevent any repeat attack.
Despite the quick response, public frustration continues to grow over the constant threat posed by IPOB/ESN militants. The cold-blooded killing of a defenseless woman while she earned a living is seen by many as a barbaric escalation of violence, showing no regard for innocent lives.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, in an official statement, confirmed the explosion and reiterated the Command’s commitment to flushing out all criminal elements operating in Imo State. He assured residents that targeted operations are underway to identify and apprehend those behind the act.
Commissioner Danjuma extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Mrs. Umeh and offered hopes for the swift recovery of the injured. He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement, person, or object to the nearest police station or through the emergency contact: 08034773600.
But for many in Awo-Idemili, these words are no longer enough. The horror of seeing blood spilled in a peaceful market square serves as a grim reminder: terrorism has made its way into everyday life. And unless decisive action is taken, more innocent lives will be lost in the name of a ruthless and lawless cause.
