Lagos In Shock As Bomb Blast Rocks Mushin Market
Residents of Lagos State remain in unbelieving shock following an explosion suspected to be from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), in the busy Mushin Market.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has however, assured residents that the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area, where the blast occurred, remained safe following the Monday morning explosion.
The Police Commissioner gave the assurance while addressing newsmen at the scene of the incident after security operatives conducted a comprehensive sweep of the area.
Tijani said the police received information about an explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives to cordon off and secure the area.
According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted under a vehicle.
Te police boss confirmed that the device was placed beneath the passenger side of the 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,” he stated, disclosing that one person sustained injuries in the incident and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Tijani said that the victim was in a stable condition, and further assured that after a detailed sweep by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered in the area.
He, however, urged members of the public, especially residents and traders in the affected commercial area, to remain calm and resume normal activities.
Speaking further, the police boss said remnants of the explosive device had been recovered and taken for forensic examination as investigations continued.
This was just as he urged residents to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos, describing such as false and misleading.
Tijani reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, warning criminal elements to stay away from Lagos.
Also speaking with journalists, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Chief Tajudeen Faronbi, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday while he was observing his morning prayers.
The Baale explained that due to the sensitivity of the situation, he immediately contacted the police Area Commander and other security authorities, who quickly mobilised officers to the scene.
Faronbi said about 35 operatives were deployed to secure the area, while additional backup units were also drafted to ensure order and prevent residents from approaching the scene, adding that the swift response helped to calm tensions and prevent what could have escalated into panic within the community.
