Explosion in Lagos Market Injures One Person

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, has reassured residents that a busy area in the state is safe after a bomb explosion believed to be from an Improvised Explosive Device caused some panic.

Tijani spoke to reporters at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin on Monday after security teams completed a thorough check of the area. He said the police were alerted about the explosion and quickly sent their Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to secure the location.

"We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched," he said.

He explained that early findings showed the blast was from an Improvised Explosive Device that had been placed under a vehicle. Tijani noted that the device was positioned beneath the passenger side and went off when the car's 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 hurt in the explosion and has been taken to a hospital for treatment. The commissioner confirmed that the injured person is in stable condition.

After the EOD experts conducted a detailed inspection, no other explosive devices were found in the area. The police chief urged the public, especially those in the business district, to stay calm and go about their normal activities.

Tijani also mentioned that parts of the explosive device were collected and sent for forensic testing as investigations are ongoing. He advised residents to ignore rumors about widespread insecurity in Lagos, calling them false and misleading.

The police commissioner reiterated the command's promise to keep lives and property safe across the state, warning criminals to avoid Lagos.

Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, also spoke to reporters. He said the incident took place early Monday morning while he was praying.

"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 quickly informed the Area Commander and other security officials, who mobilized officers to the scene. He noted that dozens of police officers and about 35 operatives were sent to secure the area, with backup units called in to maintain order and keep residents away from the site.

He said their quick response helped to ease tensions and stop what could have turned into panic in the community. Faronbi added that security teams later took control of the area, assessing the suspicious vehicle and protecting residents.

He mentioned that they still do not know the identity or ownership of the vehicle, as residents could not confirm who parked it or its purpose.