The Nigerian police command, Imo State have confirmed one person was killed and five others injured in a suspected attack linked to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at Ubaheze, Awo-Idemili in Orsu local government area of the state.
Henry Okoye, the spokesman for the Imo State Police Command, in a statement on Thursday said tragedy struck when one Ngozi Umeh stepped on a landmine, which exploded, injuring her severely.
She was taken to the hospital, where she later died.
The statement confirmed that at least five other people were injured. In response, Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, tactical teams, and personnel from the Orsu and Orlu divisions to secure the area. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, who oversees the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), has been assigned to investigate the incident.
“The Imo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation following an unfortunate incident that occurred on 24th June, 2025, at about 1430hrs, at Eke Ubaheze Market Square, Awo-Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area, Imo State, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated, resulting in the death of one person and injury to five others.
“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 terrorists.
“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, 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.
“The area has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under enhanced security surveillance.
“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.
“Residents of Orsu and surrounding communities are urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, as adequate security measures have been emplaced to forestall any recurrence of such incidents.
“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: 0803 477 3600,” the statement added.
