Bomb Blast Rocks Lagos Shoe Materials Market, Police Confirm IED Attack

A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, Lagos, caused panic among traders and residents on Monday, as the police moved to secure the area and begin investigations.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, who visited the scene, assured residents that the commercial area remained safe after security operatives carried out a comprehensive sweep.

Tijani said the police received information about the explosion and immediately deployed personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to cordon off the area and prevent further danger.

According to the commissioner, preliminary investigations showed that the explosive device was planted beneath a vehicle and detonated when the engine was started.

“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he said.

He disclosed that one person sustained injuries during the incident and was taken to a hospital for medical attention. The victim, he added, was responding to treatment and was in stable condition.

The police boss said EOD experts conducted a detailed search of the surrounding area and found no additional explosive devices.

He added that remnants of the device had been recovered and taken for forensic analysis as investigations continued to determine those responsible for the attack.

Tijani urged traders, residents and business owners in the area to remain calm and return to their normal activities, dismissing rumours suggesting that Lagos was under widespread security threat.

He warned criminal elements to stay away from the state, stressing that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property.

The Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Tajudeen Faronbi, also confirmed the incident, saying he received information about the suspicious vehicle while observing his early morning prayers.

Faronbi said residents became afraid after noticing the vehicle, prompting him to contact security authorities, who quickly mobilised to the area.

He explained that about 35 police operatives were deployed to secure the scene, while additional units provided support to maintain order and prevent residents from moving close to the vehicle.

According to him, the swift response of security personnel helped prevent panic and restored calm within the community.

Faronbi noted that the identity of the vehicle owner remained unknown, as residents could not confirm who parked it or why it was left in the area.

Police authorities said investigations into the explosion were ongoing.