THE Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has assured residents that the state remains safe following a bomb explosion suspected to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, an incident that briefly triggered panic within the commercial area.
News Point Nigeria reports that Tijani gave the assurance on Monday while addressing journalists at the scene of the incident after security operatives carried out a comprehensive sweep of the environment to ascertain the level of threat and ensure public safety.
According to the police commissioner, the command received information about the explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives to cordon off and secure the area.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.
Tijani explained that preliminary findings indicated that the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device planted beneath a vehicle.
He stated that the device had been placed under 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 said.
According to him, one person sustained injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital, where the victim is currently receiving treatment and is said to be in stable condition.
The police commissioner further disclosed that after a detailed sweep of the area by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered.
He added that remnants of the explosive device had been recovered and taken away for forensic examination as investigators continue efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Tijani urged residents to remain calm and ignore rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos, describing such claims as false and misleading.
The police boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and warned criminal elements to steer clear of Lagos.
Also speaking with journalists, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, recounted how the incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday while he was observing his morning prayers.
“Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen. When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it,” he said.
Faronbi explained that because of the sensitive nature of the situation, he immediately contacted the Area Commander and other security authorities, who swiftly mobilised officers to the scene.
According to him, about 35 police operatives were deployed to secure the area, while additional backup units were drafted in to maintain order and prevent residents from approaching the suspicious vehicle.
He noted that the rapid response by security agencies helped calm tensions and prevented what could have escalated into widespread panic within the community.
The traditional leader added that security personnel subsequently cordoned off the area and took full control of the situation, moving in to assess the suspicious vehicle and ensure the safety of residents.
Faronbi also disclosed that the identity and ownership of the vehicle remained unknown, as residents were unable to determine who parked it at the location or the purpose for which it had been left there.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as security agencies continue forensic examinations and other inquiries aimed at establishing the source of the suspected IED and uncovering those behind the explosion.
Editor’s Note: The picture used above is for illustrative purposes only and is not from the bomb incident.