There was panic at the popular Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, Lagos State, on Monday after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device detonated, leaving one person injured.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, said operatives, including personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, were immediately dispatched to the scene after reports of the blast reached the command.
Speaking with journalists at the market, the police commissioner said the area was swiftly cordoned off and subjected to a comprehensive search to prevent further danger.
According to him, preliminary findings showed that the explosive device had been concealed beneath the passenger side of a vehicle and went off when the vehicle was started.
“The IED was placed under the passenger side of the vehicle. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” Tijani stated.
He disclosed that one person sustained injuries in the explosion and was taken to a hospital, where the victim is receiving treatment and is in stable condition.
Tijani added that a thorough sweep carried out by EOD experts did not uncover any additional explosive devices in the vicinity.
He appealed to residents and traders in the area to remain calm, assuring them that the situation had been brought under control and that there was no cause for panic.