By Adesakin Adefemi
Panic gripped traders and residents of Mushin early Monday after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device exploded at the popular Shoe Materials Market, leaving one person injured and triggering a heavy security response.
The Nigeria Police Force said the blast was caused by an IED planted under a vehicle. The explosion occurred around 1am, according to the Baale of Oke Mushin, Tajudeen Faronbi, who said he raised the alarm after noticing a suspicious vehicle.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, told journalists at the scene that operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit were deployed immediately after distress calls were received.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was secured and carefully examined,” Tijani stated as police cordoned off the market to prevent further danger.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosive device had been concealed beneath the passenger side of a vehicle and detonated when the engine was ignited. “The IED was placed under the vehicle and exploded on ignition,” the CP said.
One individual sustained injuries in the blast and was rushed to a hospital, where the victim is reportedly responding to treatment. No death was recorded as of press time.
After the explosion, bomb disposal experts conducted a comprehensive sweep of the area and found no additional devices. Remnants of the exploded device were recovered for forensic analysis as investigations commenced.
Tijani assured residents and traders that normal activities could safely resume. “The command remains committed to protecting lives and property. Residents should go about their lawful activities without fear,” he said, urging the public to disregard unverified reports of a wider security breach.
The Baale of Oke Mushin commended the rapid response of security agencies, saying their intervention helped avert further panic and possible casualties. Police said the identity and ownership of the vehicle used in the attack remain unknown, while security has been reinforced and efforts intensified to track down those behind the incident.
