Bomb explosion causes panic in Lagos community, CP allays residents' fears

IED Explodes Beneath Parked Vehicle in Oke Mushin

Residents of Oke Mushin area of Lagos State were thrown into panic on Monday following the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, planted beneath a parked vehicle, prompting an immediate security response and assurances from the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai, that there was no further threat to the community. The incident occurred at No. 22, Wey Street, Oke Mushin, where a gold Toyota Sienna bus with registration number Lagos AAA11FX was damaged by the explosion.

It was gathered that the vehicle belonged to a resident who had moved into the area about three months ago and had parked the bus overnight by the roadside. According to preliminary findings, the IED had been planted underneath the vehicle and exploded when the owner attempted to start the engine on Monday morning. The blast created confusion and anxiety among residents who woke up to the sound of the explosion and the sight of the damaged vehicle.

CP Fatai Confirms Device Was an IED, Owner Injured

Speaking at the scene, CP Fatai confirmed that investigations had established that the substance responsible for the explosion was an IED. He disclosed that Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, experts were immediately deployed to the area and had successfully cleared the scene of any additional threats, with remnants of the explosive device recovered and taken away for further forensic examination.

The substance that exploded has been confirmed to be an IED. The remnants have been evacuated for investigation and safety purposes.

— CP Fatai, Lagos State Police Command

Providing details of the incident, CP Fatai explained that the owner of the vehicle reported parking it overnight before the explosion occurred.

The device was planted underneath the vehicle. The owner stated that he parked the vehicle overnight and as soon as he turned on the engine ignition this morning, he heard an explosion. He got a little injury and has been taken to hospital and is being stabilised.

— CP Fatai

The police commissioner added that the victim's statement was being carefully reviewed as part of ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

"There Is Nothing to Worry About" - CP Urges Calm

The police commissioner assured residents and business owners that there was no cause for alarm, stressing that security operatives had thoroughly searched the area and certified it free of further devices.

EOD operatives swept the area and certified it free of further devices. Remnants of the IED were recovered and taken to the command for forensic analysis. For now, after sweeping the area, we've gotten the report from our EOD operatives who came and found the area is free. There is nothing to worry about.

— CP Fatai

Reaffirming the commitment of the Lagos State Police Command to maintaining security, the commissioner vowed that criminal elements would not be allowed to gain a foothold in the state.

We are not going to allow any banditry into Lagos. Our borders are tightened up, and we are not going to rest on our oars.

— CP Fatai

Baale of Oke Mushin Recounts the Morning of the Blast

Also speaking, the Baale of Oke Mushin, Chief Tajudeen Lasisi Farounbi, said he received a distress call at about 6 a.m. informing him of the explosion. According to him, he immediately rushed to the scene and found the vehicle severely damaged, with parts of it shattered by the blast. Farounbi said he promptly alerted the Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer and advised residents against tampering with the vehicle before security personnel arrived. The traditional ruler noted that he had no prior knowledge of the vehicle owner beyond the fact that the bus had been parked in the neighbourhood for about two to three months.

As investigations continue, police authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities to security agencies.