A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday in Imo State when an explosion rocked the bustling Orlu International Market, claiming the lives of two people and injuring many others.
The blast triggered widespread panic, with people fleeing in every direction, leading to additional injuries as they scrambled to escape the scene.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion took place amid peak trading hours, sending everyone running for safety.
Confirming the incident, Imo State Police Command spokesman Henry Okoye stated that two individuals identified as hoodlums lost their lives in the blast. However, there are conflicting reports regarding the cause of the explosion, with some sources questioning whether it was indeed a bomb.
In a brief statement Tuesday night, Okoye clarified, “It was an IED that exploded,” noting that Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed Anti-Bomb operatives to investigate the scene.
“Two persons, who happened to be the hoodlums, were killed in the process of setting up an IED, which then detonated prematurely,” Okoye stated. “We have increased security presence in the area. There is no cause for alarm. We urge all Imo residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities.”
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over security and public safety in the region. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for More Updates
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J