The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person following an explosion that rocked the Idi-Araba area of Mushin on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Three other individuals were reportedly injured and have been hospitalized.
According to police reports, the explosion occurred when a scrap metal dealer unknowingly attempted to cut a military-grade grenade into pieces, triggering the blast that claimed his life.
Emergency responders and explosive experts from the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit swiftly arrived at the scene.
Two Live Grenades Recovered
Police say they recovered fragments of the exploded grenade along with two live grenades, which have since been safely transported to the EOD-CBRN headquarters in Lagos for proper handling.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents that the area has been rendered safe and people can go about their normal activities without fear.
“The scene of the explosion and adjoining areas have been declared secure by our bomb disposal experts,” the CP said, urging residents to stay calm and vigilant.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin added that the EOD-CBRN Unit is working in collaboration with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army to trace the source of the grenade and prevent future incidents.
Members of the public, particularly those involved in scavenging and scrap metal trading, are advised to:
- Exercise extreme caution
- Avoid tampering with unidentified metal objects
- Report suspicious items immediately to the nearest police station
The incident underscores the dangers associated with scrap metal collection in urban areas and the importance of public awareness when dealing with unknown metallic materials.
