One Injured as Explosive Device Detonates Beneath Vehicle in Lagos Market
Panic spread through the Shoe Materials Market area of Mushin, Lagos, on Monday after an improvised explosive device (IED) concealed beneath a vehicle detonated, leaving one person injured.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, who visited the scene, assured residents and traders that the situation had been brought under control following a swift security response.
According to the police commissioner, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were immediately deployed after receiving reports of the blast. Security personnel secured the area and carried out an extensive search.
Preliminary findings indicated that the explosive device had been hidden beneath the passenger side of a vehicle and exploded when the engine was started.
The injured victim was taken to a hospital for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.
Tijani stated that EOD specialists later conducted a detailed sweep of the surroundings and confirmed that no additional explosive devices were found. Fragments recovered from the scene have been sent for forensic examination as investigations continue.
He urged residents to disregard speculation suggesting worsening insecurity in Lagos, maintaining that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
Speaking on the incident, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Tajudeen Faronbi, said he became aware of the suspicious vehicle around 1 a.m. while observing prayers.
According to him, residents were initially afraid to approach the vehicle, prompting him to alert security authorities. He said police officers were deployed to the area shortly afterward to secure the environment and prevent access to the scene.
Faronbi added that the owner of the vehicle remains unidentified, as no resident has been able to explain who parked it at the market or why it was left there.
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