Clarity: Bomb explosion kills 5, injures many in Imo market

Clarity: Bomb explosion kills 5, injures many in Imo market

A devastating bomb explosion rocked Ubeheze market in Awo Idemili, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, on Tuesday, leaving at least five people dead and several others injured.

The explosion occurred at 11am when traders were opening their stores.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific with dead bodies scattered on the ground and injured individuals lying in pools of blood.

A viral video showed people wailing and structures in the market destroyed.

Residents, who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity, expressed shock and fear over the incident.

One eyewitness said: "We opened the market around 11am, traders were seen bringing out their goods and suddenly what we heard was an explosion that rocked the entire market.

"Structures in the market were blown into pieces as woods, zincs, and other items were seen flying all over the place. Many traders were killed by the bomb explosion, including children."

Another eyewitness, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, described the scene as horrific. "The bomb went off around 11AM. People had already started trading when it happened. It was terrifying—dead bodies everywhere and many injured. Why would anyone plant a bomb in a market? This is pure evil," he said.

The explosion caused significant damage to market structures, reducing some stalls to rubble.

Orsu LGA has become a hotspot for violent attacks in recent times, with many communities in the area reportedly deserted due to persistent insecurity.

Another resident, who declined to be named due to security concerns, said: "I don't want to speak because in that village, no youth is in the village. People are being careful because since five years ago, no police, except Ebubeagu and the army. Everybody is careful to say something that will bring calamity to his family."

As of the time of filing this report, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, had not issued an official statement on the incident.

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