Two persons have died in Imo State following an explosion, police authorities have said.

The spokesman of the Imo State Police Command Henry Okoye said the incident happened on Tuesday.

He said, “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 the wake of the incident, the Imo State Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma visited the scene 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 were now in place to prevent future incidents.”