Panic As Police Confirm Explosion In Lagos Market

One person was injured on Monday after an explosion suspected to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) rocked the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

Naija News reports that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, confirmed the incident while speaking with journalists at the scene.

Tijani said the command received a distress report about the explosion and immediately deployed police operatives, including experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, to the area.

According to him, the scene was quickly cordoned off to prevent further danger to traders, residents and passers-by.

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

He explained that preliminary findings showed that the explosive device had been placed under the passenger side of a vehicle and detonated when the vehicle was started.

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

The police commissioner said one person sustained injuries in the explosion and was immediately taken to hospital for medical attention.

He added that the victim was responding to treatment and in stable condition.

Tijani further disclosed that officers conducted a thorough sweep of the area after the blast, but no additional explosive device was found.

The commissioner urged residents, traders and members of the public not to panic, assuring them that the situation had been brought under control.

He also advised people in the area to remain vigilant and report suspicious objects or movements to security agencies.

Tijani said normal activities could continue in the market, adding that the police would maintain a presence in the area as investigations continue.