Police
The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents and traders that the metropolis remains safe following a brief scare caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion at the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, gave the assurance on Monday during an on-the-scene press briefing after security operatives conducted a comprehensive sweep of the commercial hub.
The Incident and Immediate Response
According to CP Tijani, the command swung into action immediately after receiving reports of the blast, deploying Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives to secure and cordon off the environment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the IED was deliberately planted beneath the passenger side of a vehicle. The device detonated the moment the vehicle’s engine was ignited.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” Tijani stated. “The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started.”
One individual who sustained injuries during the blast was rushed to a nearby hospital. The victim is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Following a rigorous, detailed sweep by the EOD experts, the police confirmed that no secondary explosive devices were found in the vicinity.
Remnants of the detonated device have been recovered and transferred to a laboratory for forensic analysis as investigations into the perpetrators continue.
Community Leaders Praise Swift Security Intervention
Reflecting on the early morning scare, the Baale of the Oke Mushin Community, Mr. Tajudeen Faronbi, disclosed that the alarm was raised during his dawn 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,” Faronbi recounted.
Recognizing the potential danger, the community leader immediately contacted the Area Commander.
The security apparatus responded robustly, deploying approximately 35 police officers alongside additional backup units to establish a secure perimeter and keep curious onlookers at bay.
Faronbi noted that the identity of the vehicle’s owner remains unknown, but praised the swift arrival of the police for de-escalating what could have devolved into widespread community panic.
Police Issue Warning to Criminal Elements
Dismissing rumors of widespread insecurity across Lagos as “false and misleading,” CP Tijani urged the public, particularly the traders within the Mushin market, to disregard the panic and go about their normal daily activities without fear.
Reaffirming the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, the police boss issued a stern warning to criminally minded individuals, declaring that Lagos State will not tolerate any threats to its peace.
