The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person following a tragic explosion caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Eke Ubaheze Market Square, Awo-Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed the life of a middle-aged woman, identified as Ngozi Umeh.

She reportedly stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Police authorities said the late Ngozi Umeh was critically injured and later confirmed dead at a hospital. Five others sustained various degrees of injuries during the incident and are receiving medical care.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed specialized teams, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and tactical squads, to secure the area, evacuate victims, and conduct a thorough sweep of the market to detect any other hidden explosives.

The police have since declared the area safe, with normal activities resuming under tightened security surveillance.

Danjuma also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous act.

The commissioner commiserated with the family of the deceased. He wished the injured a speedy recovery, assured residents of Orsu and the entire state that the Command remains fully committed to eliminating all criminal threats.