By Joy Yesufu
A powerful explosion rocked the Idi-Araba area of Mushin, Lagos State, on Thursday afternoon, killing one scavenger and leaving three others severely injured after a military-grade grenade detonated.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred around 1:30 p.m. at a scrap yard where the victims, said to be scavengers, were attempting to dismantle metal items one of which turned out to be a live grenade.
The device exploded in the process, killing one person instantly and injuring three others.
A resident, Akin Olawale, recounted the panic that followed the blast:
“We heard a loud explosion around 12:00 p.m. and immediately contacted the police. No one knew what had happened until officers arrived and confirmed it was a grenade that detonated.”
Security personnel from the Lagos State Police Command quickly secured the area.
Two additional undetonated grenades were discovered and safely recovered by the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Another witness, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, said the injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital in a private vehicle.
“The victims were badly wounded. The car carrying them had to stop briefly at a filling station, and that was when we saw the extent of their injuries.”
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the area has been declared safe.
“The explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. One person died and three were hospitalized. Our Explosive Ordnance Department has rendered the scene safe and the area has been cordoned off to prevent further danger.
An investigation is underway to determine how the device got into civilian hands,” he said.
