Disaster has hit Orlu International Market in Imo State following the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), claiming two lives and injuring several others.
The blast sparked a frantic stampede, leaving many more injured as people desperately fled the scene in all directions.
“We were at the market when we heard an explosion. There was confusion everywhere as people ran for their lives. Some people were killed and many injured,” a source told Persecondnews.
Police have deployed operatives to the area to bring the situation under control.
In addition, anti-bomb operatives have been deployed to the scene to forestall the detonation of possible explosives.
Confirming the incident, ASP Henry Okoye, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, said in a statement in Owerri on Tuesday night: “It was an IED that exploded. The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed anti-bomb operatives to the scene.
“Two persons who incidentally were the hoodlums were killed in the process of setting up an IED, and in the process, it exploded.
“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.”
He advised residents and market traders not to panic.
Okoye also urged the people to assist the police and other security agencies with relevant information on any suspicious activities by suspected hoodlums.
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