Tragedy struck on Tuesday at the International Market in Orlu, Imo State, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated, resulting in two fatalities.
The incident, confirmed by the Police Command in Imo, left several others injured as they fled for safety.
According to a statement by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Henry Okoye, the explosion occurred while the two deceased individuals, identified as hoodlums, were attempting to set up the explosive device.
The explosion instantly killed them, while nearby individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries during the ensuing chaos.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed Anti-Bomb operatives to secure and investigate the scene.
“The Imo Police Command has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Okoye stated.
The PPRO reassured the public, urging residents and traders not to panic and to resume their activities with caution.
Okoye also appealed to community members to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activity that could prevent similar incidents in the future.
