A suspected Improvised Explosive Device, IED, has exploded at the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of Lagos State, leaving one person injured and causing panic among residents and traders.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the scene of the incident on Monday.
According to the police commissioner, security agencies swiftly responded after receiving reports of the explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal operatives to secure the area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the device had been planted underneath a vehicle and detonated when the vehicle’s engine was started.
Tijani said the explosion occurred on the passenger side of the vehicle, adding that the injured victim was taken to hospital and is currently receiving treatment.
He noted that a comprehensive search of the area was conducted by EOD experts and no additional explosive devices were discovered.
The police commissioner also disclosed that remnants of the device had been recovered for forensic analysis as investigations continue to determine those responsible for the incident.
He urged residents to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting a wider security threat, assuring the public that the situation had been brought under control.
Meanwhile, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Tajudeen Faronbi, said he alerted security authorities after receiving information about a suspicious vehicle in the area during the early hours of Monday.
According to him, security personnel quickly mobilised to the scene, cordoned off the area and prevented residents from approaching the vehicle while investigations were carried out.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to determine the ownership of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
