In a shocking incident on Thursday, April 3, a deadly explosion rocked the Idi-Araba area of Mushin, Lagos, claiming one life and leaving three others injured. The explosion, which occurred at 40 Taiwo Street, has been traced to a scrap metal dealer’s attempt to cut into a military-grade grenade, unaware of the dangers it posed.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that explosives experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit swiftly responded to the scene after the blast. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the explosion had been triggered by an attempt to break down the grenade into smaller parts. While attempting this, the grenade exploded, causing a fatality and injuring others.
The scrap metal dealer, whose identity has not been disclosed, likely did not realize the highly dangerous nature of the military-grade grenade he was handling. Scrap metal dealers in urban areas like Lagos often come across old, discarded items in their trade, but the discovery of live military-grade explosives is extremely rare and dangerous.
The tragic incident underscores the risks faced by scrap metal dealers who, in their pursuit of recyclable materials, may unknowingly handle hazardous and potentially lethal items. In this case, the dealer’s attempt to cut the grenade led to a devastating outcome.
The explosion resulted in the loss of one life and left three individuals seriously injured. The injured victims were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention. The exact conditions of the injured remain unclear, but authorities have confirmed that they are receiving treatment.
After the explosion, the Lagos State Police Command responded rapidly, sending a specialized unit to handle the situation. Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was dispatched to the site to secure the area and ensure the safety of residents and bystanders.
According to Hundeyin’s statement, police experts successfully evacuated the dangerous remnants of the exploded grenade and two live grenades that were still active. These grenades were transported to the headquarters of the Police EOD-CBRN Unit in Lagos for safe disposal.
“The area was immediately cordoned off, secured, and subsequently rendered safe,” Hundeyin said in the statement. “The remnant of one exploded grenade, and two live (active) grenades were professionally and technically evacuated from the scene to the Base Headquarters of Police EOD-CBRN, Lagos, for safety.”
To prevent further incidents and ensure public safety, the police have cordoned off the scene and the surrounding areas, allowing for a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. The authorities have also confirmed that they will take additional measures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.
The police are working closely with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army to trace the origin of the explosive device and prevent similar explosions in the future. The investigation will also focus on whether the grenade was originally part of a larger stockpile or if it was obtained from other means.
“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,” Hundeyin added.
This incident highlights the growing concerns over the safety of scrap metal dealers, as well as the general security situation in parts of Lagos. While the exact details surrounding how the grenade came into the hands of the scrap metal dealer are still under investigation, there are fears that similar incidents could occur again if the public remains unaware of the dangers posed by discarded military-grade explosives.
In recent years, there have been reports of accidental explosions caused by various hazardous materials being improperly handled. This explosion serves as a stark reminder of the need for more stringent controls on the disposal of military-grade weapons and explosives, as well as better education for those working in industries like scrap metal collection.
Although not common, incidents involving explosions due to the improper handling of grenades and other military-grade explosives have occurred in Nigeria in the past. In some cases, such explosions have been linked to insurgent activity, while in others, they have resulted from the careless handling of military surplus or war relics. However, this most recent incident in Mushin marks a tragic reminder of the risks that ordinary people, like scrap metal dealers, face when coming into contact with dangerous materials.
Authorities have called for increased vigilance in identifying and disposing of hazardous items that may end up in the hands of the public. In the aftermath of the explosion, local authorities have emphasized the importance of public awareness and responsible handling of such dangerous items to prevent further casualties.
In response to this incident, security agencies in Lagos have pledged to strengthen monitoring efforts and improve coordination with various sectors, including scrap metal dealers, to prevent any future occurrences of this nature. They are also working to raise awareness in communities about the dangers of handling military-grade explosives.
The Lagos State government has also promised to increase its efforts in ensuring that the safety and security of residents are prioritized, especially in busy areas such as Mushin. Local government officials have pledged to continue working with the police and other security agencies to secure the safety of all residents.
