Tragedy hit Orlu International Market in Imo State on Tuesday as an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, leading to the death of two individuals and injuring several others.
The explosion caused panic, with people scrambling for safety amid the chaos, resulting in additional injuries.
A witness at the scene described the incident: “We were at the market when we heard a loud explosion. It was chaos as people ran for their lives. Unfortunately, some lives were lost.”
Imo State Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased as suspected hoodlums who were reportedly setting up the IED when it went off.
“It was an IED that exploded,” Okoye stated.
“The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has sent Anti-Bomb operatives to secure the area.”
Okoye assured the public of their safety, urging residents to remain calm and vigilant. “We have deployed operatives to the area; there is no cause for alarm.
We encourage all Imo residents to report any suspicious activities around them.”