- Assure maximum protection for residents
A sudden explosion from what sources suspect as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on Monday detonated beneath a vehicle, sending shock-waves and triggering brief panic across the bustling Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, Lagos state.
However, following a swift response by anti-bomb squad experts, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has officially declared the environment secure, firmly assuring jittery residents and traders that the area remains entirely safe
Addressing journalists at incident scene, after security operatives conducted a comprehensive sweep of the area, Tijani said the Police received information about an explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives to cordon off and secure the area.
According to him, “We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” adding that preliminary findings indicated the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device planted under a vehicle.
Explaining that the device was placed beneath the passenger side of the vehicle and detonated when the engine was started, the Police commissioner said, “The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started”.
He said one person, who sustained injuries in the incident and taken to a hospital for treatment, was in a stable condition, assuring that after a detailed sweep by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered in the area.
The Police chief urged members of the public, especially residents and traders in the affected commercial area, to remain calm and resume normal activities, assuring that remnants of the explosive device had been recovered and taken for forensic examination as investigations continued.
While urging residents to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos, Mr Tijani described them as false and misleading, even as he reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Hammering on the Command’s a zero-tolerance stance on crime, the Police issued a stern ultimatum to criminal elements, warning them to steer clear of the state or face the full, ruthless wrath of the law.
Recounting the event to reporters, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr. Tajudeen Faronbi, said the frightening incident suddenly occurred during the early hours of Monday just as he was observing his morning prayers.
Also speaking with journalists, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday while he was observing his morning prayers.
The royal father said: “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,” explaining that the sensitive nature of the situation made him to immediately contacted the Area Commander and other security authorities, who quickly mobilised officers to the scene.
He stated that dozens of police officers, about 35 operatives, were deployed to secure the area, while additional backup units were also drafted to ensure order and prevent residents from approaching the scene.
Expressing happiness that the swift response by the security operatives helped to calm tensions and prevent what could have escalated into panic within the community, the traditional ruler added that security operatives later cordoned off the area and took control of the situation, moving in to assess the suspicious vehicle and safeguard residents.
Mr Faronbi lamented that the vehicle’s background and ownership were completely unknown, as neighborhood residents were unable to identify its owner or its intended purpose.
