The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, has assured residents that the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin remains safe after an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, detonated under a vehicle early Monday, causing brief panic in the commercial area.
Tijani, who addressed journalists at the scene, said the command received reports of an explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, operatives to cordon off and sweep the area. “We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.
Preliminary investigation revealed the IED was planted beneath the passenger side of an unidentified vehicle and detonated when the engine was started. “The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” the CP stated. One person sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in a stable condition at a hospital.
After a detailed sweep, EOD experts found no additional explosive devices in the market. Remnants of the device have been recovered for forensic examination as investigations continue. Tijani urged traders and residents to resume normal activities and disregard rumours of widespread insecurity, calling them “false and misleading”.
The Baale of Oke Mushin, Mr. Tajudeen Faronbi, said he was alerted during early morning prayers around 1 a.m. “When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it,” he told reporters. He contacted the Area Commander, leading to the deployment of about 35 officers and backup units to secure the scene and prevent panic.
Tijani reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos and warned criminal elements to stay away. Ownership of the vehicle remains unknown as residents could not confirm who parked it or for what purpose. Police say investigation is ongoing.
