By Lizzy Chirkpi
A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at the bustling Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of Lagos on Monday, injuring a trader and triggering a swift security response from the Lagos State Police Command.
The blast, which caused panic among traders and customers in one of the state’s busiest commercial centres, prompted the immediate deployment of police operatives, including personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, to secure the area and prevent further danger.
Addressing journalists at the scene, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, said authorities moved quickly after receiving reports of the explosion.
“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.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police commissioner, revealed that the explosive device had been concealed beneath a vehicle parked within the market vicinity.
“The IED was placed under the passenger side of the vehicle. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he stated.
Tijani disclosed that one person sustained injuries in the incident and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
According to him, the victim is responding positively to treatment and remains in stable condition.
The police commissioner further assured traders, residents and business owners that security operatives had completed a comprehensive sweep of the market and surrounding areas, with no additional explosive devices discovered.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, stressing that the situation had been fully brought under control while investigations continue to determine the source of the device and those responsible for planting it.
The explosion temporarily disrupted commercial activities within the busy market as traders and shoppers fled for safety following the blast. However, normal business gradually resumed after security personnel secured the scene and declared the area safe.
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the incident, but police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those connected to the attack.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and called on members of the public to provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.