Horror in Lagos: Market Bomb Explosion Injures One, Rocks Commercial Hub
Lagos residents were reassured of safety after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in a Mushin commercial area, injuring one person. Police Commissioner Fatai Tijani confirmed the incident, stating the area was secured by EOD teams and investigations are ongoing. Community leaders praised the swift response for preventing further panic.
The Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command, Mr. Fatai Tijani, has reassured residents of Lagos that a commercial area in Mushin remains safe following a bomb explosion. The incident, suspected to be caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), triggered brief panic but has been brought under control by security operatives. Tijani addressed journalists at the scene of the incident, the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, on Monday after a comprehensive sweep of the environment.
According to Commissioner Tijani, the police promptly received information about an explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives. These experts swiftly cordoned off and secured the area, conducting a thorough search. Preliminary findings indicated that the explosion was caused by an IED planted under a vehicle. Tijani explained that the device was specifically placed beneath the passenger side of the vehicle and detonated when the engine was started.
One person sustained injuries in the incident and has been taken to a hospital, where the victim is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in a stable condition. Following a detailed sweep by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered in the area, further reinforcing the safety assurance. Remnants of the explosive device have been recovered and sent for forensic examination as investigations into the incident continue.
The police commissioner urged residents to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos, describing such claims as false and misleading. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state, issuing a stern warning to criminal elements to steer clear of Lagos.
Mr. Tajudeen Faronbi, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, also spoke to journalists, detailing how he was alerted to the incident in the early hours of Monday while observing his morning prayers. Upon receiving a call about an unusual sight, he arrived to find a vehicle that people were afraid to approach. Recognizing the sensitivity of the situation, Faronbi immediately contacted the Area Commander and other security authorities.
His swift action led to the rapid mobilization of about 35 police operatives to secure the area, with additional backup units drafted in to maintain order and prevent residents from approaching the scene. Faronbi credited this prompt response with helping to calm tensions and preventing what could have escalated into widespread panic within the community. Security operatives later took full control, assessing the suspicious vehicle and safeguarding residents, though the identity and ownership of the vehicle remained unclear.