Tragedy, on Tuesday, struck at the Orlu International Market in Imo State when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, killing two persons and injuring several others.
The explosion caused stampede and confusion as people ran helter-skelter, causing injury to several people.
Media report quoted a source as saying: “We were at the market when we heard an explosion. There was confusion everywhere as people ran for their lives. Some persons were killed in his explosion.”
Imo Police spokesman, Henry Okoye, confirmed the accident, adding that two hoodlums were killed in the blast.
“It was an IED that exploded,” he said.
“The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed anti-bomb operatives to the scene,” he added.
“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.”