Tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon in the Idi-Araba area of Mushin, Lagos State, when an explosion believed to have been caused by a military-grade grenade claimed the life of a yet-to-be-identified scavenger and left three others seriously injured.
The explosion occurred within a scrap metal yard, where a group of scavengers was reportedly attempting to dismantle a metallic object later identified as a grenade. Eyewitnesses said the device detonated during the process, causing a deafening blast that sent shockwaves through the neighborhood.
Local resident Akin Olawale recounted the terrifying moment. “Around 12:00 noon, we heard a very loud bang that shook the area. Everyone was confused and scared. We quickly called the police because no one could figure out what caused it. When the police arrived and investigated, it was revealed that the blast came from a grenade that the scavengers were trying to cut open,” he said.
In the aftermath of the explosion, operatives from the Lagos State Police Command and its Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit arrived at the scene. Their assessment confirmed the presence of two additional undetonated grenades, raising serious security concerns about the proliferation of military-grade weapons in civilian areas.
A resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, described the chaotic scene that followed. “We saw a car speeding away with injured people inside. When it briefly stopped near a filling station, we saw the victims — they were severely wounded. The driver didn’t even wait because of the queue. He was clearly trying to get them to a hospital as quickly as possible,” the witness said.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident in a statement issued Friday. According to him, the explosion occurred around 1:30 p.m., and the police have since secured the area.
“The blast was caused by a military-grade hand grenade. One individual lost his life, while three others are currently receiving treatment. The Explosive Ordinance Department has neutralized all threats in the area, and the site has been cordoned off to ensure public safety,” Hundeyin stated.
He further assured residents that there is no longer any danger and that a full investigation is underway to determine how the explosive devices came into the possession of the scavengers. Authorities are also working to trace the origin of the grenades, amid growing concerns over the illegal circulation of weapons.
The incident has sparked anxiety among residents of Idi-Araba and nearby communities, many of whom are calling for stricter surveillance of scrap yards and better control over the disposal of military equipment. Community leaders and security experts have also urged the government to launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of handling unknown metal objects, especially in informal sectors such as scavenging.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by informal workers and the potential dangers posed by unsecured explosive devices in civilian environments.
