Panic gripped residents of Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State on Thursday, April 3, 2025, after a thunderous explosion tore through Taiwo Street, killing one and injuring three others in a tragic incident involving military-grade weaponry.
According to reports from the Lagos State Police Command, the devastating blast occurred after a scavenger, rummaging through a pile of scrap materials, stumbled upon what turned out to be military grenades. In a reckless attempt to dismantle one of the deadly devices—possibly for resale as metal—the explosive detonated instantly, blowing the man to pieces and injuring three unsuspecting bystanders.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and terror, as the loud explosion sent residents running for cover, while smoke and debris filled the air. “We heard a loud boom, and then people were screaming. It was like something out of a war zone,” a local resident told SaharaReporters.
The Lagos State Police received a distress call around 1:30 p.m. and swiftly deployed operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in Ikeja. The area was cordoned off as officers secured the blast site and launched preliminary investigations.
Authorities confirmed that the explosion was accidental, triggered when the scavenger tampered with the grenade, unaware of the deadly consequences. The three injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention, while the body of the deceased was taken to a public morgue for autopsy.
Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement to SaharaReporters on Friday. He emphasized that investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the military explosives and determine how such high-grade weapons ended up in civilian scrap.
“This tragic event underscores the need for public awareness and vigilance,” Hundeyin said. “We urge residents to immediately report any suspicious items or activity to law enforcement. Lives can be saved by a single phone call.”
As Lagos grapples with this chilling reminder of the dangers lurking within seemingly ordinary environments, the authorities have vowed to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the source of the explosives and preventing future tragedies.
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