By One Injured as Suspected IED Explodes Under Vehicle at Lagos Market
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) planted beneath a vehicle detonated at the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of Lagos State on Monday, leaving one person injured.
The explosion, which occurred in the early hours of the day, prompted an immediate response from the Lagos State Police Command and its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.
Speaking during an inspection of the scene, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that the blast was caused by an IED concealed beneath the passenger side of a vehicle.
According to the police chief, the device exploded when the vehicle’s engine was started.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” Tijani said.
“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started.”
The commissioner confirmed that one individual sustained injuries in the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital, where the victim is reported to be in stable condition.
Tijani added that fragments and remnants of the explosive device were recovered from the scene and have been taken for forensic analysis to determine the nature and origin of the device.
Meanwhile, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Tajudeen Faronbi, said the incident occurred around 1 a.m.
Faronbi told journalists that he was alerted to the unusual situation and immediately contacted security authorities.
“Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen,” he said.
“When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it.”
He commended the swift response of security operatives, noting that officers were quickly mobilised to the area after the report was made.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, while security has been heightened around the market and surrounding communities as forensic experts work to uncover those responsible for planting the explosive device.
The Lagos State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious objects or activities to security agencies.
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