One Injured as Suspected IED Explodes in Lagos Market, Police Assure Residents Of Safety

June 23, () — One person was injured on Monday after an explosion suspected to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted beneath a vehicle rocked the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of Lagos State, triggering panic among traders and residents.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, who visited the scene of the incident, assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and that there was no ongoing security threat in the area.

Addressing journalists after a comprehensive security sweep of the market and its surroundings, Tijani said police operatives responded swiftly to reports of the explosion by deploying Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts to secure the area and conduct an extensive search.

According to the commissioner, preliminary investigations indicate that the blast was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device concealed beneath a vehicle parked within the commercial hub.

“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” Tijani said.

Providing further details on the incident, the police chief explained that the device had been planted beneath 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 stated.

The explosion left one person injured. The victim was immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment and is currently in stable condition, according to the commissioner.

Security personnel subsequently conducted a detailed sweep of the market and adjoining areas to determine whether any additional explosive devices had been planted. However, no other explosives were discovered.

Tijani said remnants of the device had been recovered from the scene and would undergo forensic examination to aid ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the blast and identify those responsible.

He urged traders, residents, and business owners in the area to remain calm and continue their normal activities, stressing that the market and surrounding communities were safe.

The commissioner also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic among the public.

He described rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos following the incident as false and misleading, assuring residents that law enforcement agencies remained vigilant and committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.