Two Alleged Hoodlums Die While Setting Up Bomb in Imo Market, Several Injured

An improvised explosive device (IED) explosion killed two people and injured several others on Tuesday at the Orlu International Market in Imo State. According to the Imo Police Command, the explosion occurred as two suspected hoodlums attempted to set up the device, which detonated prematurely.

Witnesses said that the blast sent shockwaves through the usually busy. According to an eyewitness,

The explosion caused stampede and confusion as people ran for safety. Many were injured in the cause of the stampede.

We were at the market when we heard an explosion. There was confusion everywhere as people ran for their lives. Some persons were killed in his explosion, another eyewitness told Punch.

Imo State Police spokesperson ASP Henry Okoye confirmed the fatalities and noted that the injured were treated for wounds sustained in the chaos. Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has reportedly deployed anti-bomb operatives to secure the area and investigate the circumstances.

This incident adds to a growing list of security challenges across Nigeria. Recent months have seen increased bombings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities, especially in the northern and southeastern regions. Just last month, a series of attacks in Kaduna and Borno states left dozens dead and displaced many others. Southeastern Nigeria, where Imo State is located, has also faced heightened violence, with government offices and police stations often targeted by separatist groups.

Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as efforts to stabilise the area continue. However, the rising frequency of such incidents shows an urgent need for more robust security measures to address the nation’s worsening insecurity.

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