Panic As Police Confirm IED Explosion In Lagos Market

Panic gripped traders and residents in the Mushin area of Lagos State on Monday after an explosion suspected to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) occurred at the popular Shoe Materials Market, leaving one person injured.

The incident triggered an immediate security response, with operatives of the Lagos State Police Command and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit swiftly deployed to the scene to assess the situation and prevent further danger.

Confirming the development, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, said the command received a distress call shortly after the explosion and immediately activated emergency response measures.

According to him, security personnel quickly secured the area and carried out a comprehensive search to determine the cause of the blast and ensure no additional threats existed within the market environment.

“We received reports of an explosion and immediately sent our EOD unit to the scene. The area was quickly sealed off and thoroughly inspected,” the police commissioner stated.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosive device had allegedly been planted beneath the passenger side of a vehicle parked within the market vicinity. The device reportedly detonated when the vehicle was started, triggering the explosion that sent traders and bystanders scrambling for safety.

“The IED was placed under the passenger side of the vehicle. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” Tijani explained.

The blast left one individual injured. The victim was promptly evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment and is said to be responding positively.

Police authorities noted that the injured person is currently in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical care.

Following the explosion, bomb disposal experts conducted an extensive sweep of the market and surrounding areas to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices. Authorities confirmed that no other suspicious objects were discovered during the operation.

The commissioner appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading panic, assuring residents and traders that the situation had been brought under control.

He also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, abandoned items, or unusual activities to security agencies for immediate investigation.

While normal commercial activities have gradually resumed within the market, police officers are expected to maintain heightened security presence in the area as investigations continue to determine those responsible for the incident and the motive behind the alleged attack.

The explosion has once again highlighted growing concerns about public safety and the need for increased vigilance in densely populated commercial centres across the country.