Lagos Police Assure Safety Following Bomb Explosion Incident
The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Tijani, has reassured residents that commercial areas in Lagos are secure after a bomb explosion, believed to be linked to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), led to temporary panic in the vicinity. Tijani provided this assurance on Monday while speaking to journalists at the Mushin shoe material market, the site of the incident, where security personnel had conducted a comprehensive search of the area.
Upon being informed of the explosion, the police promptly dispatched Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units to secure the location and ensure public safety. Tijani stated, “Upon receiving reports of an explosion, we immediately dispatched an EOD team. The area was sealed off and thoroughly searched.” Early investigations suggest that the explosion originated from an improvised explosive device concealed beneath a vehicle.
According to Tijani, the explosive device was situated under the passenger side of the car and detonated when the engine was started. He confirmed that one individual sustained injuries from the blast and has since been hospitalized, with their condition reported as stable. Following an exhaustive search, EOD experts found no additional explosives in the vicinity.
The police chief urged residents and businesses in the surrounding commercial areas to remain calm and revert to normal activities. He also noted that as the investigation progresses, remnants of the explosive device will be subjected to forensic analysis. Tijani emphasized the importance of ignoring rumors that suggest widespread insecurity in Lagos, labeling them as unfounded and misleading.
Reaffirming the command’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the state, Tijani warned criminal elements to avoid Lagos. In a separate account, Tajudeen Faroumbi, a resident of the Oke Mushin community, shared that the incident occurred early Monday morning while he was engaged in morning prayers.
Faroumbi explained that around 1 a.m., he received a call alerting him to a suspicious situation. Upon arriving at the scene, he witnessed residents’ apprehension as they hesitated to approach the vehicle. Realizing the potential severity of the situation, he promptly contacted the area commander and other security officials, who quickly deployed officers to the scene.
The swift response resulted in the deployment of dozens of police officers and around 35 operatives to maintain order, while additional reserve forces were called in to prevent community members from approaching the area. Faroumbi noted that this prompt action helped mitigate tensions and avert a situation that could have led to widespread panic. The officers cordoned off the vicinity to gain control of the situation, conduct an investigation into the suspicious vehicle, and protect residents.
As of now, the identity of the vehicle and its owner remains unknown, leaving residents unable to confirm who parked it or its intended purpose. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details to ensure the safety and security of the community.
