- One Injured as Explosive Device Detonates in Lagos Market
- Preliminary findings reveals that the device had been placed under the passenger side of the vehicle
- Faronbi said he immediately contacted security authorities, prompting the deployment of about 35 police officers
Panic erupted on Monday at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, Lagos, after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated under a vehicle parked in the area.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, confirmed the incident and assured residents that the situation had been brought under control following swift intervention by security operatives.
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Tijani, who spoke to journalists at the scene, said officers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were immediately deployed after reports of the explosion were received.
According to him, the area was swiftly cordoned off and thoroughly searched to prevent any further threat.
Preliminary findings, he said, indicated that the device had been placed under the passenger side of the vehicle and detonated when the engine was started.
“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 the hospital, where he is said to be in stable condition.
The police commissioner added that after a detailed sweep of the market by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered, and normal activities could safely resume.
He urged traders and residents to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting rising insecurity in Lagos, describing such reports as misleading.
Tijani also confirmed that parts of the explosive device had been recovered and sent for forensic analysis as investigations continue.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, while warning criminal elements to stay away from Lagos.
A community leader, the Baale of Oke Mushin, Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, also confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday.
He said he was alerted while praying and, upon arriving at the scene, found residents too afraid to approach a suspicious vehicle.
Faronbi said he immediately contacted security authorities, prompting the deployment of about 35 police officers, with additional reinforcements arriving later to secure the area.
He added that the rapid response helped prevent further panic and ensured the situation was contained without escalation.
According to him, the owner of the vehicle remains unknown, as no one in the area could identify who parked it or why it was left at the market.
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