Two people were killed, many injured at Orlu International Market in Imo State on Tuesday when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Two people were killed, many injured at Orlu International Market in Imo State on Tuesday when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded.
The explosion caused stampede and confusion as people ran helter-skelter, making many injured.
Sources said the market was in full swing when the explosion occurred. The impact of the detonation, caused confusion as people ran for their lives. A trader in the market, who pleaded anonymity, expressed the helplessness of the residents on the frightening situation. “The entire thing is shocking. We were in the market when the detonation took place. This is the second of such occurrence in the last couple of days. Some days ago, similar explosion occurred on Amaigbo Road, casing much destruction”.
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The Nation, quotes Imo Police spokesman, Henry Okoye, as confirming the accident adding that the two killed, were hoodlums.
“It was an IED that exploded,” he said. “The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed Anti-Bomb operatives to the scene.
According to him, “two persons who incidentally were the hoodlums were killed in the process of setting up an IED and in the process, it exploded.”
Okoye urged calm, saying, “We have deployed operatives to the area. No cause for alarm. We ask all Imolites to report suspicious activities in their areas and be vigilant.”
Since the 2020 #EndSARS protests when the peaceful atmosphere of the area was violated, Orlu has not been its usual self. The people currently live in fear – fear of the overzealous law enforcement officers, fear of the unknown gunmen and fear of secessionist agitators. Businesses have gone down completely and social life, virtually obliterated.