Explosion rocks Lagos marketplace as bomb planted beneath car detonates, leaving one person hurt

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has given assurances to residents that a commercial area in the state is secure, despite a bomb explosion that occurred and is believed to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device, which sparked brief panic in the area.

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This assurance was provided by Tijani on Monday, as he addressed journalists at the scene of the incident, which took place at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, following a thorough sweep by security operatives.

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According to Tijani, the police were informed about an explosion and immediately sent in Explosive Ordnance Disposal operatives to cordon off and secure the area, with the commissioner stating that his team was swiftly deployed to the scene after receiving reports of the explosion.

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Tijani explained that a preliminary investigation revealed the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device that had been planted under a vehicle, with the device being placed beneath the passenger side of the vehicle and detonating when the engine was started.

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The commissioner stated that one person was injured in the incident and was taken to a hospital for treatment, where the victim is reportedly in a stable condition.

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Following a detailed sweep of the area by EOD experts, Tijani confirmed that no additional explosive devices were discovered, and he urged members of the public, especially residents and traders in the affected area, to remain calm and resume their normal activities.

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Tijani also announced that remnants of the explosive device had been recovered and were being taken for forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation, while also urging residents to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos, which he described as false and misleading.

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The police commissioner reaffirmed the command's commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state, warning criminal elements to stay away from Lagos.

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Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, also spoke with journalists, stating that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday while he was observing his morning prayers, and he received a call about an unusual occurrence.

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Faronbi explained that when he arrived at the scene, he saw a vehicle that people were afraid to approach, and due to the sensitivity of the situation, he immediately contacted the Area Commander and other security authorities, who quickly mobilised officers to the scene.

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He noted that dozens of police officers and about 35 operatives were deployed to secure the area, with additional backup units being drafted to maintain order and prevent residents from approaching the scene, which helped to calm tensions and prevent panic within the community.

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Faronbi added that security operatives later cordoned off the area, took control of the situation, and moved in to assess the suspicious vehicle and safeguard residents, although the vehicle's identity and ownership remained unclear.

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According to Faronbi, residents were unable to confirm who parked the vehicle or what its purpose was, and the situation remained under investigation.