Two suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia arm Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been reportedly killed in an accidental explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Orlu international market close to Mbari Okoro, Imo State.
According to the Imo State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the ESN members were carrying the IED on a motorcycle with intention of planting it at the market before it detonated and killed them instantly.
He said that two passersby were injured by the blast and have been taken to the hospital for proper medical attention.
He further revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma while on the spot assessment at scene of the explosion sympathy to the injured and assured residents that the area have been cleared of any remaining IED, noting that security has been beefed up to prevent any future occurrence.
He said: “On Tuesday, November 5th, at approximately 12:40hrs, two young men, suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN, were carrying an improvised explosive device (IED) on a motorcycle with the intention of planting it at Orlu International Market, near Mbari Okporo.
“Fortunately, the device detonated before they could carry out their plan, killing both individuals instantly and preventing what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
“Two passersby were injured in the blast and were promptly taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the two deceased individuals may have been involved in earlier IED explosions in the Omuma and Orlu communities on November 3rd, 2024, which resulted in injuries to two citizens.
“Further investigations are ongoing to confirm their involvement in these incidents.
“In response to the explosion, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, visited the scene with EOD operatives for an on-the-spot assessment. He expressed sympathy to the injured victims and wished them a swift recovery.
“The CP reassured residents that the area had been cleared of any remaining IEDs and that enhanced security measures are now in place to prevent future incidents,” the police said.