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The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of Mushin and surrounding communities of their safety following a reported Improvised Explosive Device (IED) scare in the area.
Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, gave the assurance on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene after a distress call alleging an explosion involving a vehicle in Oke Mushin.
According to the police, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit were immediately deployed to the location upon receipt of the report.
The area was cordoned off while specialists conducted a comprehensive search, assessment and recovery operation to determine the nature of the incident and eliminate any potential threat.
Following the operation, the command said the location was declared safe and free of any further IED threat.
Fatai urged residents not to panic, stressing that security operatives had taken the necessary measures to secure the area and protect lives and property.
“The area has been thoroughly searched and declared safe by our EOD operatives. Residents should remain calm and continue with their lawful activities,” the police commissioner said.
The incident had earlier generated anxiety among residents after reports emerged that a vehicle parked in the community was damaged by an explosion in the early hours of Monday, leaving its owner injured.
Witnesses said the blast occurred when the owner attempted to start the vehicle, prompting an emergency response from security agencies.
Police authorities, however, said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining security across Lagos State, assuring residents that adequate measures remain in place to prevent criminal activities and respond swiftly to security threats.
Community leader, Chief Tajudeen Lasisi Farounbi, the Baale of Oke Mushin, said he received a distress call shortly after 6 a.m. and immediately alerted security agencies.
He commended the prompt response of police operatives and urged residents to cooperate with investigators as efforts continue to unravel the circumstances behind the incident.
