Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents and traders that the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin remains safe following an explosion suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device concealed beneath a vehicle.
Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani gave the assurance after security operatives completed a comprehensive search of the area on Monday.
Police said bomb disposal experts responded immediately after receiving reports of the explosion.
“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” Tijani said.
According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations showed that the device had been planted under the passenger side of a vehicle.
“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he said.
One person sustained injuries during the explosion and was taken to hospital.
Police said the victim remains in stable condition.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted extensive searches within the market and adjoining areas.
Tijani said no additional explosive devices were discovered.
Security operatives recovered fragments of the suspected device for forensic examination as investigations continue.
The Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Tajudeen Faronbi, said he received reports of suspicious activity shortly after midnight.
“Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen,” he said.
“When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it.”
Faronbi said he alerted security agencies, leading to the deployment of approximately 35 police officers and additional support teams.
The swift response, he said, helped prevent panic and restore calm within the community.
Tijani urged residents to disregard rumours suggesting widespread insecurity and reassured Lagosians of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
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