A catastrophic incident struck at Orlu International Market in Imo State on Tuesday, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated and claimed at least two lives while several persons sustained various degrees of injuries.
The explosion was said to have caused tension and stampede as residents ran to different directions, which resulted in injuries.
An eyewitness said: “We were plying our trade at the market when we heard an explosion. There was confusion everywhere as people ran for their lives. Some people were killed in the explosion.
“We are now living in fear as the relative peace in the vicinity has been punctuated.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and submitted that two hoodlums were killed in the incident.
“It was an IED that exploded. The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed Anti-Bomb operatives to the scene,” he added.
The PPRO highlighted that two persons who incidentally were the masterminders were killed in the process of setting up the IED.
He called for calm, stressing, “We have deployed operatives to the area. No cause for alarm, we request for peace and tranquility.”
The Imo State Police Command urged citizens to report suspicious activities in their areas to the Police and remain watchful.
