By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Fatai Tijani, on Monday assured residents that Lagos remains safe after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, injured one person, triggered temporary panic among traders and residents, and prompted an immediate security response to secure the area and investigate the source of the device.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, Tijani said security operatives quickly contained the situation and found no additional explosive devices during a comprehensive search.
EOD Team Responds Swiftly
According to the police commissioner, the command received reports of the explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts to the location.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.
Tijani explained that preliminary investigations showed that an IED planted beneath a vehicle caused the explosion.
“The device was under the vehicle on the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he stated.
He added that one person sustained injuries during the incident. Medical personnel rushed the victim to a hospital, where treatment is ongoing. The victim remains in stable condition.
Furthermore, EOD experts conducted a detailed sweep of the environment and found no other explosive devices.
Community Leader Recounts Early Morning Discovery
Meanwhile, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr. Tajudeen Faronbi, described how residents discovered the suspicious vehicle before the explosion.
Faronbi said he received a distress call around 1:00 a.m. while observing his morning prayers.
“Someone informed me that residents had noticed something unusual. When I arrived, I saw a vehicle, and people were afraid to approach it,” he said.
Recognising the potential danger, he immediately alerted the Area Commander and other security agencies.
Security Agencies Mobilise to Prevent Panic
Following the alert, security authorities swiftly deployed personnel to the area.
According to Faronbi, about 35 police officers secured the scene, while additional operatives reinforced security around the market.
Their quick intervention helped calm residents and prevented widespread panic.
Security operatives subsequently cordoned off the area and took control of the scene to assess the suspicious vehicle and protect nearby residents.
Vehicle Ownership Remains Unknown
Faronbi revealed that residents could not identify the owner of the vehicle or determine why it had been parked at the location.
As a result, investigators have intensified efforts to establish the vehicle’s ownership and uncover those responsible for planting the suspected explosive device.
Authorities have already recovered remnants of the device for forensic examination.
Police Urge Residents to Remain Calm
Tijani urged residents to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting that insecurity has worsened in Lagos.
He described such claims as false and misleading.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
He also warned criminal elements to stay away from Lagos, stressing that security agencies remain vigilant and prepared to respond to threats.
Investigation Continues
Security agencies have commenced forensic and intelligence investigations into the incident.
Investigators aim to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the explosion, identify those responsible, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
