Tragedy as bomb blast kills 5, injures many in Imo

A tragic bomb explosion shook Ubeheze market in Awo Idemili, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State on Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of at least five people and leaving several others seriously injured.

The blast, which occurred around 11 a.m., took traders and residents by surprise as many were just opening their shops for the day.

Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as chaotic and heartbreaking, with bodies scattered across the market and injured victims crying out for help while lying in pools of blood.

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A viral video showed people wailing and structures in the market blown into pieces.

Residents, who spoke The Nation on condition of anonymity expressed shock and fear over the incident.One eyewitness said:”We opened the market around 11 am, 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 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.”

Imo police spokesman, Henry Okoye, did not respond to text messages or phone calls.

(Nation)