The Lagos State Police Command hereby confirms an unfortunate explosion that occurred last week at Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State, which sadly claimed the life of one individual and left three others injured.
It added that the injured victims have been taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.
It added that preliminary investigations into the unfortunate incident revealed that the explosion occurred when a scrap metal dealer attempted to cut a metal object into smaller pieces, which might be unknown to him, was a military-grade grenade, resulting in an explosion that led to his death.
Upon receiving the report, Police Explosives Ordnance Experts of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit of the Lagos State Police Command swiftly arrived at the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off, secured, and subsequently rendered safe. The remnant of one exploded grenade, and two (2) live (active) grenades were professionally and technically evacuated from the scene to the Base Headquarters of Police EOD-CBRN, Lagos, for safety. The cordon-off of the scene and the adjoining areas is emplaced to facilitate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion and take immediate further necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He urges residents of Lagos State to remain calm, peaceful, and go about their businesses and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension. The CP further assures all Lagosians of their safety, as the scene of the explosion and adjoining areas have been rendered safe and declared secure by the Nigeria Police Force’s EOD-CBRN Unit.
Furthermore, 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, scrap metal trading, and to report any suspicious objects at the nearest police station for appropriate action.
