The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed an explosion at the Shoe Materials Market in the Mushin area of Lagos, with one person injured in the incident.
The police said preliminary investigations suggest that the blast was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) concealed in a vehicle parked within the commercial area.
Speaking to journalists at the scene on Monday, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, said officers responded quickly after receiving reports of the explosion.
According to him, the command immediately deployed personnel, including experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, to secure the area and determine the cause of the blast.
“We received reports of an explosion and immediately sent our EOD unit to the scene. The area was quickly sealed off and thoroughly inspected,” Tijani said.
The police commissioner explained that investigations carried out at the scene showed that the explosive device had been placed under the passenger side of a vehicle.
“The IED was placed under the passenger side of the vehicle. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he stated.
The explosion caused panic among traders, customers and residents in the busy market area, with many people rushing to safety after hearing a loud sound from the scene.
However, police authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control by security operatives who cordoned off the area and conducted a thorough search for possible additional threats.
Tijani disclosed that one person sustained injuries from the explosion and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.
He said the victim is currently receiving medical attention and is in stable condition.
The commissioner also assured members of the public that no other explosive devices were discovered during the security sweep carried out by EOD personnel.
According to him, investigators carefully examined the area and surrounding locations to ensure that there was no further danger to traders, residents and visitors.
He urged members of the public not to panic, stressing that security agencies remain on top of the situation.
“We have searched the area thoroughly and no additional device was found. Residents and traders should remain calm and continue with their lawful activities,” he said.
The incident has drawn attention because Mushin is one of Lagos’ busiest commercial districts, hosting several markets and attracting thousands of traders and customers daily.
The Shoe Materials Market, where the explosion occurred, is known for the sale of footwear materials, leather products and related accessories. Business activities in the area were briefly disrupted as security personnel carried out investigations following the blast.
Improvised Explosive Devices are homemade bombs or explosive devices often assembled using readily available materials. They can be hidden in vehicles, bags or other objects and are capable of causing injuries, deaths and property damage.
Over the years, Nigerian security agencies have increased surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts to prevent attacks involving explosives, especially in major cities and crowded public locations.
The police have not yet disclosed who may have planted the device or the motive behind the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion and identify those responsible.
Authorities are expected to review available evidence from the scene and gather information from witnesses as part of efforts to unravel the case.
Residents and traders in the area have been advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious objects, movements or activities to security agencies.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and assured the public that every effort would be made to ensure those behind the incident are identified and brought to justice.
Monday’s explosion comes at a time when security agencies across the country continue to encourage citizens to support law enforcement efforts by providing timely information that could help prevent criminal activities.
While normal activities have resumed around the market, many traders expressed relief that the explosion did not result in greater casualties.
As investigations continue, police authorities maintain that the situation is under control and that there is no immediate threat to residents or businesses operating within the area.