The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents and traders that there is no cause for alarm following an explosion caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of Lagos.
Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani gave the assurance on Monday while addressing journalists at the scene after security operatives completed a comprehensive search of the affected area.
According to the police chief, security agencies responded swiftly after receiving reports of an explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel to secure the location and assess the situation.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” Tijani said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device concealed beneath a vehicle parked within the commercial area.
The commissioner explained that the device had been placed under the passenger side of the vehicle and detonated when the vehicle’s engine was started.
“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he stated.
The explosion left one person injured. The victim was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Following the incident, EOD experts conducted an extensive sweep of the market and surrounding areas to determine whether additional explosive devices were present.
Police authorities confirmed that no other explosives were discovered during the operation.
Tijani urged residents, business owners and traders in the area to remain calm and continue with their normal activities, stressing that the situation had been brought under control.
He further disclosed that remnants of the explosive device had been recovered and forwarded for forensic analysis as investigators work to determine its origin and identify those responsible.
The police commissioner also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of creating panic, insisting that rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos were unfounded.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Police Command to protecting lives and property and warned criminal elements against attempting to disrupt public peace in the state.
Also speaking at the scene, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Tajudeen Faronbi, recounted how residents first became aware of the suspicious situation in the early hours of Monday.
According to him, he received a call around 1 a.m. while observing his morning prayers, informing him that a suspicious vehicle had attracted concern among residents.
“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 explained that he immediately alerted security authorities, including the Area Commander, who swiftly mobilised officers to the location.
He noted that approximately 35 police operatives were initially deployed to secure the area, while additional personnel later arrived to reinforce security and prevent residents from approaching the scene.
According to the community leader, the prompt intervention of security agencies helped to prevent panic and ensured that the situation was effectively managed.
He added that authorities have yet to establish the identity of the vehicle owner, as residents were unable to determine who parked the vehicle or when it was brought to the area.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as security agencies continue efforts to uncover those behind the suspected bombing and prevent future occurrences.
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