A bomb explosion triggered panic on Monday at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, Lagos, after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated under a vehicle in the area.
The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Tijani, confirmed that the situation is now under control, adding that the area has been declared safe following a comprehensive sweep by security operatives.
Tijani, who addressed journalists at the scene after personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit secured the market, said the police responded swiftly after receiving reports of the blast.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.
He disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated the explosion was caused by an IED placed beneath a vehicle.
“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he stated.
One person was injured in the incident and has been taken to hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
Tijani added that after a detailed search by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered within the market.
He urged traders and residents to remain calm and continue their normal activities, while also advising the public to disregard rumours suggesting rising insecurity in Lagos.
According to him, recovered parts of the explosive device have been taken for forensic analysis as investigations continue. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and warned criminal elements to stay away from Lagos.
Speaking on the incident, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, said the situation occurred in the early hours of Monday while he was observing prayers.
“Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen. When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it,” he said.
Faronbi added that he immediately contacted the Area Commander and other security agencies due to the sensitivity of the situation.
He said about 35 police officers were first deployed to the area, with additional reinforcements later sent to prevent residents from approaching the vehicle.
