LAGOS, Nigeria — One person was injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded under a vehicle in a Lagos market on Monday, prompting an immediate response from security agencies and an ongoing investigation into the incident.
The explosion occurred at the Oke-Afa Market in the Isolo area of Lagos, where the device, concealed beneath a commercial vehicle, detonated, causing panic among traders and shoppers at the busy market.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident and said its operatives, alongside other security agencies, have since been deployed to the area to secure the scene and prevent any further attacks. According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, a joint investigation involving the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) is currently underway to determine the source of the explosive and those behind the act.
Hundeyin also assured Lagosians that the incident was isolated and that the command is on top of the situation, adding that patrols have been intensified across the state, particularly in market areas, to forestall any recurrence.
The injured victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital. Initial reports suggest the victim, a trader, sustained injuries from the impact of the blast.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the use of IEDs in the state has raised concerns about the spread of tactics more commonly associated with terrorism in the North-East to other parts of the country. Security analysts have called for increased vigilance among residents and urged market authorities to enhance security measures at public spaces.
Market leaders in the area have condemned the attack, calling on the government to ensure adequate security for traders and patrons. Traders expressed fears over their safety, with many vowing to close their shops earlier than usual to avoid being caught in the event of another explosion.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Information and Strategy, has urged residents to remain calm and not to panic, adding that security agencies are working assiduously to bring perpetrators to book.
As investigations continue, the police have urged anyone with useful information regarding the incident to report to the nearest police station or call the command’s emergency lines. The security situation in Lagos remains under close watch as authorities work to ensure that the state is not plunged into a cycle of violence.
