An explosion on Thursday, April 3, 2025, claimed the life of one person and left three others injured in the Taiwo Street area of Idi-Araba, Mushin, Lagos. The tragic incident occurred when a scavenger reportedly found military-grade grenades among scrap materials and attempted to dismantle one, causing it to detonate.
The explosion, which occurred around 1:30 p.m., sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community. Authorities confirmed that the blast instantly killed the man tampering with the grenade and injured three bystanders who were nearby at the time of the incident.
According to the Lagos State Police Command, they received an emergency call alerting them to what was initially thought to be a bomb explosion. In response, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in Ikeja were swiftly deployed to the scene to assess the situation and ensure there were no further threats.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the explosion was accidental. The scavenger, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, reportedly discovered the military-grade grenades while sorting through scrap materials. It appears that he tried to dismantle one of the grenades, which immediately caused the deadly detonation.
Witnesses say they heard a loud bang and saw thick smoke rising from the site. The blast shattered windows in nearby buildings, and debris was scattered across the area. Residents of Taiwo Street, many of whom were out in the afternoon, rushed outside in panic, some running for cover, while others attempted to help those injured in the blast.
The three injured individuals were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. While the severity of their injuries remains unclear, emergency medical responders worked to stabilize them before transferring them to the hospital.
The body of the deceased was removed from the scene and taken to a public morgue. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing their investigations to figure out how military explosives, which are typically heavily regulated, ended up in civilian hands.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the explosion and provided additional details. In an interview with SaharaReporters on Friday, Hundeyin stated, “Investigations are ongoing to determine how the military explosives ended up in the hands of civilians, particularly in the hands of the scavenger.”
He also urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious items or activities to the authorities, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in preventing further incidents. “We encourage everyone to be cautious and immediately alert the police if they come across unusual or dangerous objects,” Hundeyin said.
The presence of military-grade explosives in civilian areas raises concerns about the potential dangers posed to public safety. While the incident in Mushin was an unfortunate accident, it highlights the larger issue of how such dangerous materials are being exposed to the general public, often through unscrupulous practices like scavenging and illegal sales.
Scavengers in Lagos and other major Nigerian cities often sift through scrap metal and other discarded materials, sometimes finding valuable metals or items they can sell. However, this practice can be extremely dangerous, as scavengers may unknowingly encounter hazardous items like grenades, unexploded bombs, or other military ordnance that could pose a serious risk to their lives and the surrounding community.
This incident is not the first of its kind in Nigeria, where illegal arms trade and the unregulated presence of military equipment have been ongoing concerns. The discovery of grenades in civilian hands serves as a stark reminder of the importance of securing and properly disposing of military-grade materials to prevent accidents and deaths like the one in Mushin.
The explosion has left many residents of Taiwo Street in shock. While the area has been known for its hustle and bustle, the sudden blast has raised fears about safety among the local population. Many are questioning how such explosives ended up so close to their homes and businesses, and whether more could have been done to prevent the incident.
Authorities have promised to step up efforts to ensure that dangerous materials like grenades are properly secured and that illegal scavenging practices are curtailed. However, the challenge remains significant, given the scale of the issue and the widespread nature of scavenging in urban areas.
This tragic explosion in Lagos underlines the need for stronger measures to control and dispose of military-grade explosives, as well as greater efforts to regulate scavenger activities. With many vulnerable communities exposed to the risk of dangerous materials, it is crucial that the government, law enforcement, and local authorities work together to prevent further accidents.
For now, residents in the area are left to grapple with the aftermath of the explosion. The three injured individuals are reportedly in stable condition, and the investigation continues as authorities work to piece together how such a dangerous incident occurred.
