Lagos Police Chief Visits Mushin Explosion Site, Reassures Residents of Safety

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, visited the site of an explosion at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin on Monday, reassuring traders and residents that the area has been secured and is safe.

Tijani’s visit followed an explosion involving a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that caused panic in the busy market and prompted an immediate response from security agencies.

After inspecting the scene, Tijani told journalists that police operatives, including members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, were deployed quickly following reports of the blast.

He said the area was cordoned off immediately to prevent further danger while EOD experts conducted a thorough search and assessment.

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

According to the commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion was caused by an IED planted beneath a vehicle parked in the market.

He explained that the device had been placed on 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,” Tijani stated.

One person was injured in the incident and was taken immediately to a hospital for treatment. The victim is in a stable condition and responding to care.

Tijani further reported that a comprehensive sweep of the market and surrounding areas was carried out by EOD operatives after the explosion, and no additional explosive devices were found.

He urged traders, residents and the public to remain calm, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm as security agencies have secured the area.

The commissioner dismissed rumours of a wider security threat in Lagos, describing such claims as false, misleading and likely to cause unnecessary panic.

He assured residents that the command would continue to monitor developments and sustain efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state, while investigations into the incident proceed.