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The Lagos Police Command and the Nigerian Army have commenced investigation to unravel how military explosives got into the hands of scavengers at Idi-Araba, Mushin where one exploded last Thursday.
A scavenger was killed and three others injured after one of three grenades they passed for condemned irons exploded while they were trying to cut it into pieces.
The incident which happened at 40, Taiwo Street, led to a fire outbreak at the dunghill causing panic in the community.
Although the Explosives Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear
(EOD-CBRN) unit of the police was able to recover the remaining grenades and prevented a catastrophe in the area, Nigerians have continued to ask how such explosives got into the hands of scrap collectors?
In response to people’s agitations, the police command and the 81 Division of the Army issued separate statements at the weekend assuring residents of an ongoing investigation.
The police statement which was signed by spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, urged residents to be calm, peaceful and go about their lawful businesses without fear or apprehension, assuring that the explosion site had been rendered safe and secured.
The police said the injured victims were still receiving treatment, adding that the EOD-CBRN unit of the command and the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division were collaborating to determine the origin source of the explosive device and ensure all necessary actions were taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.
The police said: “The area was immediately cordoned off, secured, and subsequently rendered safe. The remnant of one exploded grenade, and two live (active) grenades were professionally and technically evacuated from the scene to the Base Headquarters of Police EOD-CBRN, Lagos, for safety.
“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 Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He urged residents of Lagos State to remain calm, peaceful, and go about their businesses and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.
“The CP further assures all Lagosians of their safety, as the scene of the explosion and adjoining areas have been rendered safe and declared secure by the Nigeria Police Force’s EOD-CBRN Unit.
“Furthermore, the Command’s EOD-CBRN Unit has been working in collaboration with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, to determine the origin of the explosive device and ensure all necessary actions are taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.
“Members of the public are hereby advised to exercise serious caution, especially those involved in scavenging, scrap metal trading, and to report any suspicious objects at the nearest police station for appropriate action.”
Similarly, the Army Division in a statement by its spokesman, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the CIED squadron was tasked to work with the Police-EOD to investigate the source and circumstances which led to the explosion.
“The team will also inspect the general area to ensure its continued safety. The residents in the general area are advised not to panic and remain calm,” he said.
