Tragedy in Imo: Landmine Explosion Kills Woman, Injures Five in Awo-Idemili Market — Police Blame IPOB/ESN
Tragedy in Imo: Landmine Explosion Kills Woman, Injures Five in Awo-Idemili Market — Police Blame IPOB/ESN
By NaijaRush – June 26, 2025
A tragic and deeply disturbing incident unfolded on Tuesday, June 23, 2025, at the bustling Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, located in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State. What was meant to be a regular trading day ended in chaos and sorrow when a powerful bomb explosion rocked the busy market center, killing a woman and injuring at least five others.
According to an official statement released by the Imo State Police Command, the explosion occurred at exactly 2:40 PM. The device, believed to be a landmine, detonated as a middle-aged woman identified as Mrs. Ngozi Umeh, a native of Ubaheze village, accidentally stepped on it while going about her activities in the marketplace.
Bomb Blast Rocks Imo Market – Casualties Reported
The explosion was so loud that it sent shockwaves through the entire Orsu community, instantly disrupting market activities and sending traders and buyers fleeing for safety. The landmine reportedly tore through the ground beneath Mrs. Umeh, inflicting critical injuries that eventually led to her death despite emergency medical intervention.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the devastating incident on Wednesday, June 25, in an official statement. He pointed fingers at the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), accusing them of planting the deadly explosive device.
“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,” the PPRO stated.
This tragic event is one in a series of violent incidents plaguing southeastern Nigeria, particularly in Imo State, where separatist elements and unknown gunmen have created a climate of fear. Security analysts have repeatedly warned about the growing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by criminal groups in the region, a tactic that puts the lives of innocent civilians at constant risk.
Police Respond Swiftly: Market Cordoned Off, Bomb Squad Deployed
In response to the explosion, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, wasted no time in mobilizing critical security assets to the affected area. Operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, tactical police teams, and personnel from both the Orsu and Orlu Divisions were quickly dispatched to secure the scene.
“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 police said.
The area was thoroughly searched for other explosive devices to prevent further casualties. Fortunately, none were found. The market square has since been declared safe, and activities have resumed under heightened security surveillance.
CP Danjuma Offers Condolences, Vows Justice
Following the tragic death of Mrs. Ngozi Umeh and the injuries sustained by five other individuals, CP Danjuma extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured victims who are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.
“The Commissioner of Police has commiserated with the family of Mrs. Umeh and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims,” the police said in the statement.
Beyond offering condolences, CP Danjuma vowed that the Imo State Command would not rest until those responsible for the heinous act are identified and brought to justice. He emphasized the command's renewed commitment to restoring and maintaining peace, not only in Orsu Local Government Area but across the entire state.
“The Commissioner restated the commitment of the Command to weed out all criminals threatening the peace of Orsu and Imo State as a whole,” the statement continued.
Renewed Security Measures and Public Vigilance Urged
In an effort to reassure residents of their safety, the police command announced that additional security measures have been implemented across the region. The authorities are also urging residents to remain calm but vigilant.
“The police spokesperson assured the state that adequate security measures had been put in place against a recurrence, adding that they should go about their lawful activities,” said PPRO Henry Okoye.
The Command has encouraged the general public to assist in the ongoing fight against insecurity by promptly reporting any suspicious activity or persons in their community. Information can be provided confidentially through the command’s emergency number: 08034773600.
“Furthermore, the police call 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,” Okoye advised.
Full Investigation Underway – Police Promise Justice
In line with the police command’s determination to bring the perpetrators to book, CP Danjuma has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the explosion.
This investigation is expected to uncover those behind the planting of the landmine and determine if there are wider terrorist cells operating in the area.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department has been directed to commence a comprehensive investigation to unmask and apprehend the perpetrators,” the PPRO concluded.
Context: A Region Under Siege
This incident is yet another reminder of the volatile security situation in Nigeria’s South-East. In recent years, Imo State and other parts of the region have witnessed frequent attacks, mostly blamed on IPOB/ESN or other criminal elements taking advantage of the tension surrounding Biafra separatist agitation. Marketplaces, police stations, electoral offices, and public institutions have become frequent targets, placing ordinary citizens in harm’s way.
Security experts have warned that the use of landmines or IEDs signals a dangerous escalation in tactics by armed groups, indicating greater access to weapons and intent to cause mass civilian harm.
Conclusion
The tragic explosion at Eke Ubaheze Market Square serves as a stark warning to both authorities and civilians that no effort should be spared in combating insecurity in Imo State. While the loss of Mrs. Ngozi Umeh is deeply painful, it is also a rallying call for all stakeholders – from the police and community leaders to everyday residents – to work together in ensuring peace returns to Orsu and its surrounding communities.
As Imo residents return to their daily routines, one thing remains clear: safety can only be achieved through vigilance, collaboration, and unyielding resolve to defeat criminality.
