LAGOS, NIGERIA – A deadly explosion shook the Idi-Araba area of Mushin in Lagos State on Thursday, April 3, resulting in the recovery of remnants of an exploded grenade and two live grenades. The blast occurred at 40 Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba, when a scrap metal dealer inadvertently tried to dismantle a military-grade grenade, causing the fatal incident that led to one fatality and three injuries.
In response to the explosion, the Lagos State Police Command swiftly deployed explosives experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit to the scene. The area was promptly secured, and the unexploded devices were safely evacuated to the unit’s base headquarters for proper disposal, as detailed in a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
“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 statement emphasized. Additionally, the Command’s EOD-CBRN Unit collaborated with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, to ascertain the origin of the explosive device and implement preventive actions to avoid similar occurrences.
The police assured the public of ongoing efforts to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents, highlighting the importance of thorough investigations and collaboration with relevant security units. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by mishandling explosive materials and the critical need for proper disposal methods to ensure public safety. Authorities continue to urge caution and vigilance in dealing with potentially hazardous items to avert tragedies like the one witnessed in Idi-Araba.