The Lagos State Police Command says it is working closely with the Nigerian Army to trace the origin of a military-grade explosive that detonated in the Idi-Araba area of Mushin, Lagos, on Thursday, killing one person and injuring three others.
According to reports, some scavengers discovered military-grade grenades among scrap materials. While attempting to dismantle one of the grenades, it detonated, killing one person instantly and injuring others.
“A sound of explosion was heard around past 12 pm, and the police were immediately contacted because no one could ascertain the cause,” a resident told Punch.
“It was later, when the police arrived, that we discovered that it was a grenade. The scavengers were trying to cut one of them open when it detonated,” the source added.
Upon receiving a distress call around 1:30 p.m., officers from the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit in Ikeja were deployed to the scene.
The injured victims were taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.
To ensure thorough investigation and prevent similar incidents, the spokesperson of the Command, DSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Sunday, said the Command’s EOD-CBRN Unit is collaborating with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army.
He urged the public, particularly scrap metal traders and scavengers, to exercise caution and report any suspicious items to the nearest police station for prompt response.
“The Command’s EOD-CBRN Unit has been working in collaboration with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, to determine the origin of the explosive device and ensure all necessary actions are taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.
“Members of the public are hereby advised to exercise serious caution, especially those involved in scavenging and scrap metal trading, and to report any suspicious objects at the nearest police station for appropriate action,” Hundeyin stated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He also reassured Lagosians of their safety, stating that the area has been declared secure by the Nigeria Police Force’s EOD-CBRN Unit.
